No rules on singing, playing of 'Vande Mataram': Govt

The government has not framed any rules for circumstances in which the 'National Song' may be sung, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. 

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said this in response to a question by Vikas Mahatme seeking to know "whether there are rules in place to ensure that National Song is performed uniformly in one voice, one beat and rhythm, since our National Song enhances our feeling of patriotism and it is mandatory to have rules for National Song..." He had also asked whether these rules are to be taken seriously as in theatres, it has been often observed that National Song is sung in different tunes and different ways and music is composed in different styles, although there is no objection in showing soldiers or other things in background but people singing this song commit physical movement.

The MP also asked whether the government is serious towards implementation of such rules. "Government has not framed any rules or issued instructions laying down circumstances in which the National Song may be sung or played," Rijiju said. According to official web siteIndia.gov.in, the National Song is "Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji" has an equal status with National Anthem.