Jharkhand government will make the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in all educational institutions of the state on September 7, Chief Minister Arjun Munda said on Thursday.
Directions to this effect would be issued soon, Munda said.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party's Jharkhand unit president Yadunath Pandey said in a statement in Ranchi that his party has directed its cadres at various levels to ensure rendition of the national song as per the party's national programme.
The national leadership of the BJP has already directed all BJP-ruled states to make the recital of the song mandatory in educational institutions.
Commenting on the decision, Janata Dal (United) spokesman Pramod Mishra said an individual should feel proud to sing the national song. The JD(U) is an ally of the BJP.
"But it should not be imposed on anybody. We should also respect the feelings of the minority community," he added.
Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Sailesh Sinha said: "There are no two opinions on the importance of the national song. But keeping the nation's secular credential, rendition of Vande Mataram should be made optional."
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