West Bengal government has made the singing of “Vande Mataram” compulsory in all madarsas across the state during morning assembly prayers. The directive was issued by the Directorate of Madrasah Education, bringing madarsas under the same framework already applicable to schools across West Bengal.
According to the official order dated May 19, 2026, issued from Bikash Bhavan in Salt Lake, Kolkata, the singing of “Vande Mataram” has now been made mandatory in all Government Madrasahs (English Medium), Recognised Government-Aided Madrasahs, Approved MSKs, Approved SSKs, and Recognised Unaided Madrasahs functioning under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department.
The order, issued under Memo No. 470-ME, stated that the decision has been taken “in supersession of all previous orders and practices” and will come into effect immediately across the state.
“I am directed to order that in supersession of all previous orders and practices, singing of Vande Mataram during assembly prayers prior to commencement of classes is hereby made mandatory in all Madrasahs… across the State of West Bengal, with immediate effect,” the order stated.
#BREAKING: West Bengal Government issues order making Vande Mataram singing compulsory in all Madarsas of the state. Vande Mataram singing already was made compulsory in all schools of West Bengal during morning prayers. pic.twitter.com/N8vEAXcP2c
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 21, 2026
The directive has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by the Director of Madrasah Education, West Bengal.
Copies of the order have been forwarded to all District Magistrates, District Inspectors of Schools (DISE), the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education, the Secretary of the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission, and other senior state education officials for implementation and compliance.
Officials said the move aligns madarsas with the broader state policy under which the singing of “Vande Mataram” had already been made compulsory in schools across West Bengal during morning prayers.
The decision is likely to trigger political debate in the state, especially given the longstanding discussions surrounding nationalism, education policy, and the role of patriotic songs in educational institutions.
It is a step towards promoting national unity and constitutional values among students.
No official objection or response from madarsa boards or religious organisations had been issued till the filing of this report.
The order has come into force with immediate effect, and district authorities have been directed to ensure compliance across all institutions covered under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department.
