BJP-led Rajasthan government makes national anthem compulsory in hostels

Last month the city civic body made it compulsory for all employees to sing national anthem in the morning

JAIPUR: The Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan government has a new rule in place to invoke nationalism among students. Nearly 40,000 residents of approximately 800 hostels have been asked to sing the national anthem at 7 am daily.

The notice was issued by the state department for Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE). The national anthem is to be sung along with daily morning prayers. The directive reportedly came into effect on Sunday, 26 November.

Department director Dr Samit Sharma claimed that several residential schools are already following this practice. 

In October, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation made it compulsory for all its employees to sing the national anthem in the morning and Vande Mataram in the evening. City mayor  Ashok Lahoty further added that 'those who don't want to sing can go to Pakistan'. 

Last year, the state education department had made 'surya namaskar' compulsory in schools. It was later made optional.