MIC mandates national song & anthem for all events amid Vande Mataram row

Indore: Amid the ongoing controversy over alleged disrespect shown toward Vande Mataram during a recent Budget meeting of Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), the Mayor-in-Council (MIC) on Monday officially mandated that all municipal events must now commence with the national song, Vande Mataram and conclude with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.The proposal was introduced by general administration in-charge Nandkishore Pahadiya during the meeting held at city bus office. The council passed the resolution unanimously. The move is seen as a direct response to recent political friction where opposition members were accused of insulting the national song.The MIC also passed a vote of thanks in support of the Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam). Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargavhailed the legislation as a landmark step toward women-led empowerment.The council also approved a new link road from Tigariya Badshah main road through Kushwah Nagar to Ujjain Naka, Banganga at a cost of Rs 20 crore. Construction of 25 smart toilets was also sanctioned at a cost exceeding Rs 98 lakh, which includes a 15-year operation and maintenance contract.To encourage early payments, a 6.25% discount was approved for citizens who deposit their advance property tax by June 30, 2026. Approval was also granted for the expansion of operation and maintenance work for the 245 MLD sewerage treatment plant and 100 MLD pumping station at Kabit Khedi.The garden located in Luv Kush Vihar will be officially named Jasuben Goswami Udyan.