In a significant policy change, the West Bengal government has made the singing of 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in all schools during morning assemblies. This directive, issued by the School Education Department, takes effect immediately and replaces the previous requirement for the state song 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol,' which was enforced under the Trinamool Congress administration. School administrators are now grappling with the challenge of managing time during assemblies, as the national anthem remains mandatory alongside 'Vande Mataram.' Many school heads have expressed concerns about the potential delays in starting classes due to the extended duration of the morning assembly. An official from the Education Department noted that while cultural and national songs are important, it is crucial to balance these with academic schedules. In related news, West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul has pledged to enhance women's safety and mobility, ensuring that complaints from women are prioritized and that CCTV monitoring will be implemented across civic bodies to promote transparency.