Kolkata, May 14 -- The West Bengal government has made it mandatory, with immediate effect, to sing "Vande Mataram" during school assembly prayers before the commencement of classes in all schools under the School Education Department across the state.

According to an official order issued on Thursday by the School Education Department, Administrative Branch, Kolkata reads, "it is hereby ordered that in supersession of all previous orders and practices, singing of Vande Mataram during assembly prayers, prior to the commencement of classes is hereby made mandatory in all schools under School Education Department across the state of West Bengal, with immediate effect."

The order, dated May 14 states that the decision has been taken with t...