From the New Year onward, West Bengal requires the 'State Song' to be sung at all government programs

West Bengal's government mandates the inclusion of the 'State Song' in all official programs starting from the New Year. The directive, issued by the outgoing chief secretary, also designates Poila Boishakh as the Statehood Day, facing opposition from the BJP. This move emphasizes cultural integration in government events.

Image Source -www.thehindu.com

In a recent decree, the West Bengal government has mandated the inclusion of the 'State Song' in all government gatherings and events. Issued by outgoing Chief Secretary HK Dwivedi, the notification stipulates the compulsory rendition of the State Song during state-sponsored programs, effective from the upcoming New Year.

This official notification further specifies that all state government offices are obliged to commemorate Statehood Day annually on Poila Boishakh, marking the Bengali New Year. The State Song is to be performed for a duration of precisely one minute and 59 seconds preceding any government event, with the conclusion marked by the singing or tuning of the National Song.

Additionally, the directive specifies that all attendees must stand during the rendition of the State Song. Earlier this year, the West Bengal assembly passed a resolution designating Poila Boishakh as the Statehood Day, along with declaring Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's composition, "Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol" as the State Song, akin to the status of the National Song.

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However, this decision faced opposition from the BJP, with the party questioning the rationale behind declaring Poila Boishakh as Statehood Day. Suvendu Adhikari, the opposition leader, cited a lack of empirical reasoning behind the resolution, likening it to previous resolutions that didn't come to fruition.

This cultural mandate marks a significant step by the West Bengal government to integrate its cultural heritage into official proceedings. The implementation of the State Song in government events reflects the state's commitment to honoring its rich cultural legacy.