New Delhi, Feb. 11 -- Ministry of Home Affairs issues new guidelines to compulsorily play or sing six stanzas of National song at all official events and in Schools

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today issued new guidelines with respect to National song 'Vande Mataram' making it mandatory that a six stanza-long, 3 minute and 10 seconds version of the song be played or sung at official occasions and in schools.

The National song will be played during the President's arrival at events, before and her speeches, addresses to nation and after the arrival and speeches of Governors and also during civilian awards ceremony as the Padma awards among others.

According to the new guidelines, all persons need to stand up when the Nationa...