Overview The West Bengal government has mandated that all schools run and aided by the State government must sing the State song, Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol , during their morning assembly. This decision has generated mixed reactions within the teaching community and raises questions about its impact on national integration and regional identity. Key Developments Mandatory Singing of State Song The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education issued a notification making the singing of Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol mandatory in morning assemblies. State Education Minister Bratya Basu stated that this directive came from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee . The song, composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905 , is translated as The Soil of Bengal, The Water of Bengal . Rationale The government believes that singing the State Song along with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana , will serve as a catalyst for social and communal unity in the State. Implementation On November 7, 2025 , schools began their day with three renditions: Vande Mataram (on the occasion of its 150th anniversary ), Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol , and the national anthem. Reactions Some teachers expressed concerns about replacing traditional songs like Dhono Dhanye Pushpe Bhora , written by Dwijendralal Ray , with the State song. Concerns were raised about the decision being an assertion of Bengali identity, especially ahead of State elections. Krishnakoli Ray , headmistress of Dhakuria Sree Ramakrishna Vidyapith for Girls , felt the order was coercive and contradicted the ethos of a united India. Others welcomed the move, suggesting it should be compulsory even in private schools. Background In December 2023 , West Bengal declared Poila Boisakh (first day of the Bengali month of Baisakh) as State Day and Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol as the State Song. The State Song became compulsory at official events. UPSC Relevance This issue is relevant to the UPSC syllabus under GS1: Indian Culture , GS2: Government Policies and Interventions , and GS4: Ethics and Human Interface . It highlights the intersection of culture, politics, and identity, which are crucial for understanding contemporary Indian society. Potential Exam Questions Analyze the implications of making a state song mandatory in schools on national integration. Discuss the role of cultural symbols and identity politics in shaping regional narratives. Evaluate the potential impact of such policies on social and communal unity. Important Facts Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in 1905 . Poila Boisakh is the first day of the Bengali month of Baisakh and is now West Bengal's State Day. The decision to make the State Song mandatory was announced in November 2025 .