Archive · 7 Nov 2025
West Bengal Mandates State Song in Government School Assemblies
Schools in West Bengal now have to sing a special song called 'Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol' every morning.
This song was written by a famous poet named Rabindranath Tagore a long time ago and became the official state song in 2023.
The government believes singing it will help people in the state feel more connected and get along better.
It will be sung along with India's national anthem.
The decision has sparked some debate, with some viewing it as a move to promote Bengali culture, while others suggest it might be politically motivated ahead of upcoming elections.
The state government has also stated that the song promotes unity between different communities.
West Bengal schools must now sing the state song 'Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol' during morning assemblies.
The song, written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905, was officially designated the state anthem in 2023.
State Education Minister Bratya Basu stated the directive aims to foster social and communal harmony and promote Bengali identity.
The state song will be sung alongside the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jai Hai'.
The notification was issued by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education on Thursday.
The BJP has raised concerns, suggesting the decision is politically motivated in response to their celebrations of 'Vande Mataram'.
- Who
- The West Bengal government, through the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education and State Education Minister Bratya Basu.
- What
- Mandated the singing of the state song 'Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol' in morning assemblies of all government-run and aided schools.
- When
- Notification issued on Thursday, effective immediately.
- Where
- Government-run and aided schools across West Bengal.
- Why
- To foster social and communal harmony, promote Bengali identity, and act as a catalyst for unity.
West Bengal Government Stance
BJP Perspective
Reason for Mandating State Song
West Bengal Government Stance
State Education Minister Bratya Basu stated the directive aims to foster social and communal harmony and promote Bengali identity, calling the song a 'special catalyst' for unity.
BJP Perspective
BJP leader Rahul Sinha suggested the decision was politically motivated, enacted in response to the BJP's nationwide celebrations of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and aimed at stirring Bengali sentiment before elections.
Association with National Songs
West Bengal Government Stance
The song will be sung in addition to the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jai Hai'. The government believes it promotes unity.
BJP Perspective
Education Minister Bratya Basu accused the BJP of divisive politics, claiming they prefer 'Vande Mataram' by Bankim Chandra and have historically disliked Rabindranath Tagore due to his religious beliefs, inclusive writings, and respect from Congress leaders.
- State Song
- 'Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol'
- Composer
- Rabindranath Tagore
- Year Song Written
- 1905
- Officially Adopted
- September 2023
- Mandatory Singing In
- Morning assemblies of all state government-run and aided schools
- Additional Mandated Song
- National Anthem of India ('Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka Jai Hai')
- Notification Issued By
- West Bengal Board of Secondary Education
- Notification Date
- Thursday
Sources
Schools to sing Banglar Mati Banglar Jol daily in morning assembly from Classes IV to X
Happening today in Bengal: BJP to celebrate 150 years of Vande Mataram with a rally, TMC pushes state anthem, Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol
West Bengal makes Tagore’s ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jal’ compulsory in government schools assembly
West Bengal Mandates Rabindranath Tagore's State Song At School Assemblies
