State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 28 Oct 2025

Mandatory Singing of National Anthem and Song in Rajasthan

Why in News?

The Rajasthan government has announced that singing the national anthem and national song daily will now be mandatory in all government schools and offices under the Education, Sanskrit Education, and Panchayati Raj Departments.

Key Points

• About: Cabinet Minister Madan Dilawar announced the decision as part of a plan to promote discipline, patriotism, and national unity in Rajasthan.
• Daily National Anthem and Song: All government schools and offices will begin with the national anthem and end with the national song; attendance will be linked to participation.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Institutions must submit daily geo-tagged photos to verify participation; a formal order will define implementation and penalties for non-compliance.
• Uniform Policy: A common uniform will be introduced for all schools and teachers from the next academic session; ties will be removed, and local officials will monitor compliance.
• Additional Reforms: ID cards will be mandatory for all students and teachers, and an SMS system will notify parents about student attendance.
• Significance: The move promotes national unity, discipline, accountability, and equality, ensuring transparency and uniformity in schools and offices.

National Anthem & National Song 

• The song Jana-gana-mana (national anthem) composed originally in Bangla by Rabindranath Tagore (in 1911). It was adopted in its Hindi version as the national anthem of India.  
  • It was first sung on 27th December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress (INC). 
• The National Song of India is “Vande Mataram",  written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.  
  • The song was first written in 1870 and later included in his novel "Ananda" in 1882. It was first sung at the 1896 INC session. 
  • It is a patriotic hymn that represents reverence for Mother India and was a source of inspiration during India's struggle for freedom.  
• Both National Song and National Anthem of India were adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950.

Rajasthan Approves Two Key Labour Reforms

Why in News?

In a significant move to boost economic growth and enhance worker welfare, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma approved two major labour reforms aimed at fostering a safe, dignified, and progressive work environment in Rajasthan.

Key Provisions

• Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025:
  • Prohibition of Child Labour: Children below 14 years of age are banned from working in shops or commercial establishments.
  • Minimum Age for Apprentices: Increased from 12 to 14 years.
  • Protection for Adolescents (14–18 years): Prohibited from working during night hours to safeguard their education, health, and nutrition.
  • Revised Work Standards: The daily work limit has been increased from 9 to 10 hours, and the quarterly overtime cap raised from 126 to 144 hours.
• Rajasthan Factory (Amendment) Rules, 2025:
  • Women’s Employment Provisions: Allows women workers, except pregnant and nursing mothers, to work in approved factory environments if safety protocols are followed.
  • Mandatory Safety Measures: Employers must provide protective gear (masks, gloves, respirators), maintain safe air quality, and conduct regular safety training for all employees.