Vande Mataram : National Anthem will be more respected! ‘Vande Mataram’ was also brought under the ambit of this Act

• The same rules as the National Anthem will apply to ‘Vande Mataram’
• Violation of rules will be considered a cognizable offence
• Punishment provisions for insults are also to be made more stringent

Vande Mataram: After the big victory in West Bengal, an important decision was taken in the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. The meeting approved the proposal to give the national anthem ‘Vande Mataram’ equal status with ‘Jana Gana Mana’. Also, the Minister also congratulated the Prime Minister on this victory.

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Along with this, the government has also approved a proposal to amend the ‘Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act’. The amendment will apply the same rules as the National Anthem to ‘Vande Mataram’ composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Violation of these rules will be considered as a cognizable offence.

As per the existing law, insulting the national flag, constitution or national anthem is punishable by imprisonment, fine or both. After the proposed change, ‘Vande Mataram’ will also be brought under the purview of this Act. It was also said that the 150th birth anniversary of this song is being celebrated across the country.

Punishment provisions for insults are also to be made more stringent. A person who willfully obstructs the performance of the National Anthem can be punished with imprisonment for up to three years or with fine. If this offense is repeated, there is a provision of imprisonment of at least one year. Now the National Anthem will also be protected under this Act and emphasis has been placed on maintaining its dignity.

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Earlier in 2005, the act was amended to prohibit desecration of the tricolour. The demand for ‘Vande Mataram’ to be accorded national anthem status was raised during a special debate in Parliament in December last year. This decision is believed to strengthen the status of the national anthem.