NEW DELHI: The Centre has directed all states and Union territory administrations to strictly follow the “correct script and diction” while singing or playing the national song and national anthem. In a letter sent to all state chief secretaries and UT administrators on Thursday, the home ministry also said when the state song is sung or played with the national song and anthem, both the national song and national anthem shall be sung or played together. “The national song will be sung or played first followed by the national anthem,” it stated. This means that the state song — sung in some states at official functions and ceremonies — cannot be sung in between the national song and national anthem. The order will require the state song to be played first, followed by the national song and finally the national anthem. On its directive to strictly follow the correct script/text and diction/pronunciations while playing the national song — which is to be played in full, comprising all six stanzas — and national anthem, the home ministry said their correct script and diction can be found on the portal of ministry of home affairs.“It is requested that suitable instructions in this regard may please be issued to concerned institutions/organisations under your jurisdiction, for strict compliance,” stated the MHA.
