National Anthem, National Song Must Follow Correct Script and Diction: Centre

NEW DELHI: The Union government has issued fresh directions to all states and Union Territories, asking them to strictly follow the prescribed norms for the rendition of the national anthem and the national song during official programmes and ceremonial events. The advisory aims to ensure uniformity, preserve the dignity of the national symbols, and eliminate inconsistencies in their presentation across the country.

In a communication addressed to chief secretaries of states and administrators of Union Territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) instructed authorities to adhere to the approved script, pronunciation, and sequence whenever the national anthem and the national song are performed or played.

The ministry clarified that if a state song is included in an official function alongside the national song and the national anthem, the national song must always precede the national anthem. According to the revised protocol, the state song should be presented first, followed by the national song, and the event should conclude with the national anthem.

Officials said the directive removes any ambiguity regarding the placement of state songs during government ceremonies. The state song should not be inserted between the national song and the national anthem, ensuring that the national symbols retain their designated order and ceremonial importance.

The Home Ministry also reiterated that the national song must be rendered in its complete approved form, consisting of all six stanzas, whenever it is played in full during official events. Authorities have been instructed to avoid deviations from the authorised version.

To maintain consistency across institutions, the ministry stressed the importance of using the officially approved script and correct diction while singing or playing both the national anthem and the national song. It noted that the authenticated text and pronunciation guidelines are available on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ official portal for reference.

The communication urged state governments and Union Territory administrations to circulate the instructions among departments, educational institutions, public bodies, and other organisations under their jurisdiction. These entities have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed norms during all official functions.

The latest advisory forms part of the Centre’s broader effort to promote uniform observance of national protocols and uphold the dignity associated with India’s national symbols. Officials believe that following the approved sequence and pronunciation will help maintain consistency at public ceremonies organised across different parts of the country.

The ministry has also emphasised that institutions responsible for organising official programmes should familiarise performers and event coordinators with the prescribed guidelines before conducting ceremonies. This, it said, would help prevent procedural lapses and ensure that the national anthem and national song are presented with the respect and decorum they deserve.

With the fresh instructions now in place, state administrations are expected to issue corresponding directions to all concerned authorities, ensuring that future official events comply fully with the Centre’s prescribed protocol for the national anthem and the national song.