Vande Mataram Rules Like Jan Gan Man: Government Plans Punishment for Insult

• The central government is deliberating on establishing a set protocol for Vande Mataram, similar to the national anthem Jan Gan Man.
• A high-level meeting, convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs, discussed circumstances for singing Vande Mataram and punitive provisions for its insult.
• Currently, Vande Mataram lacks the clear constitutional and statutory protection that the national anthem enjoys, with no specific laws against its insult.
• The BJP supports this initiative to strengthen Vande Mataram's dignity, alleging past Congress appeasement diminished its importance.
• The move could lead to significant cultural, constitutional, and political changes, potentially including legal frameworks for the national song.

Why It Matters: Government plans to formalize rules for Vande Mataram, including penalties for insult, akin to the national anthem.