Lok Sabha passes National Honour Bill for Vande Mataram

The Lok Sabha has passed the National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to mandate the complete rendition of 'Vande Mataram' and grant it legal protection similar to the National Anthem. The House also cleared the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introducing stricter penalties for malpractice. The bills were described by Lanka Dinakar, chairman of the Twenty Points Programme implementation in Andhra Pradesh, as significant reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dinakar welcomed the National Honour Bill as a fitting tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the author of the song. He also criticised the Congress for failing to engage constructively during the debate. Referring to recent protests, Dinakar said those responsible for violence or unlawful acts should face legal action, emphasising that the Constitution guarantees equality before the law.