HYDERABAD: A peculiar situation has arisen in the State over mass singing of `Vande Mataram' in educational institutions, with the proposal made by the Government being opposed by none other than a Minister.

While the State Government has already issued an order asking the authorities of all educational institutions--be it a school or college-- to sing `Vande Mataram' on September 7, Minorities Welfare Minister Fareeduddin has taken the stand that the singing must not be made compulsory.

As far as the minority educational institutions are concerned, it should be left to their choice, he is quoted as saying.

A senior official in the Education Department, however, said the mass singing would be implemented as per the order marking the centenary of the National Song, covering all institutions, including those of minorities.

Sources in the Education Department said this was a song about which there should be no dispute.

Meanwhile, the Regional Inspection Officer of the twin cities, BIE, asked principals of all junior colleges to ensure that the first two stanzas of `Vande Mataram' be sung at 11 a.m. on September 7 in all the colleges.

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