New Delhi:- After a huge victory in the Bengal elections, the central government has taken a big step regarding 'Vande Mataram' in its first decision. The proposal to amend the 'Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act' has been approved in the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under this proposal, 'Vande Mataram' is being prepared to be given status equal to the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'. Currently, under this law, there is a provision for punishment for insulting or disrupting the national flag, constitution and national anthem. After the amendment, 'Vande Mataram' will also be included in this list, due to which non-compliance with its rules will become a punishable offence.
The government is making this change on the occasion of the completion of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. For this, Section 3 of the law will be amended. According to this section, if a person intentionally disrupts or prevents the singing of the national anthem, he can be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or fine or both. There is a provision of imprisonment for a minimum of one year for repeat offence. After the amendment, the same rules will also apply to 'Vande Mataram'.