GUWAHATI: The West Bengal Government has made the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory during morning assemblies in all state-run and state-aided schools across the state, officials reportedly said on Thursday, May 14.
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According to reports, school authorities have already been informed about the new directive, and heads of institutions have been instructed to ensure that the song is sung regularly from Monday onwards.
An order issued by the Director of Education on Wednesday reportedly stated that the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ during morning assembly prayers before the start of classes should be made compulsory in all schools with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the state government has also issued fresh directions for the strict enforcement of the West Bengal Animal Slaughter Control Act, 1950, banning animal slaughter in public places and making fitness certificates mandatory before slaughter.
The notification, issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department, stated that the directions were being implemented in compliance with an August 16, 2018 order of the Calcutta High Court.
According to the notice, no animal can be slaughtered without certification declaring it fit for slaughter. The order also specified that such certificates can only be jointly issued by the Chairman of a Municipality or the Sabhapati of a Panchayat Samiti along with a Government Veterinary Surgeon.
The notice further stated that certification can only be granted if the animal is over 14 years of age for work or breeding purposes or has become permanently incapacitated due to age, injury, deformity, or incurable disease.
The government also warned that violations of the provisions under the 1950 Act could attract imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both. It added that all offences under the Act are cognisable.