Patna: The government of Bihar has issued fresh directives mandating that all official programmes begin with the national song, Vande Mataram, followed immediately by the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, before proceedings get under way. Events will conclude with the Bihar state song, according to the new guidelines.
The instructions were circulated on Sunday by Md Sohail, secretary of the general administration department, to senior officials including departmental heads, the director general of police, divisional commissioners and district magistrates. The order lays down a fixed sequence for the performance of songs at government functions and extends to educational institutions across the state.
Under the new framework, schools and colleges will also begin their day with Vande Mataram, followed by Jana Gana Mana, after which regular academic activities will proceed. Officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance.
The move follows earlier guidance from the Government of India, which issued instructions on January 28 regarding the observance and performance of the national song.
Separately, the chief minister, Samrat Choudhary, signalled a hardline approach to illegal encroachments on public land, stating that unauthorised structures would be demolished irrespective of ownership.
Choudhary said he had been informed that even a staircase at his own residence in Tarapur was being dismantled by authorities, presenting it as evidence that the policy would be applied uniformly. “Government land will be cleared under any circumstances,” he said.
After being sworn in, the chief minister visited his home district of Munger on Sunday for the first time. During the visit, he attended a broadcast of Mann Ki Baat in Baijalpur village in the Asarganj block of Tarapur constituency, before addressing a public gathering.
