Bengal govt mandates ‘Vande Mataram’ in all madrasas; order issued with immediate effect

The West Bengal government has made the singing of “Vande Mataram” mandatory in all madarsas across the state, extending a policy that was already being followed in schools during morning assembly prayers.

 

The order was issued on May 19, 2026, by the Directorate of Madrasah Education from Bikash Bhavan in Salt Lake, Kolkata. The notification stated that the directive would come into force with immediate effect and would override all previous practices followed by madarsas regarding assembly prayers.

 

 

As per the order, all Government Madrasahs (English Medium), Government-Aided Madrasahs, Approved MSKs, Approved SSKs, and recognised unaided madarsas functioning under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department will now have to sing “Vande Mataram” before the commencement of classes.

 

The official memo stated that the decision had been taken with the approval of the competent authority. Copies of the directive were also sent to District Magistrates, district education officials, the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education, and the Madrasah Service Commission for implementation across districts.

 

 

Officials said the move brings madarsas under the same framework already applicable to schools in West Bengal, where “Vande Mataram” is sung during morning prayers.

 

The development is expected to generate political discussion in the state, particularly around nationalism, educational policy, and cultural practices in minority educational institutions.

 

Reacting to the order, Mohammed Ashraf Ali Qasmi, Chief of Kolkata Khilafat committee said “I had said earlier as well that the government should not work on the basis of any religion. Its job is to ensure the development of citizens and give us employment. We don't say that 'Vande Mataram' shouldn't be sung, but to impose it on Muslims is wrong because some lines in this song are against our religion... We request the Government of West Bengal to retract this decision. We say it very clearly that we live in this country and we love it, but we don't worship this country. Muslims only pray to one and only Allah."