The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday night announced that the singing of Vande Mataram in schools and colleges on September 7, to mark the national song's centenary celebrations, was not compulsory.
An official press release noted that the Centre had advised states that the song be compulsorily sung by students of schools and colleges on that day.
Several Muslim organisations have opposed the Centre's suggestion.
'Religion and nationalism are made for each other'
Vande Mataram Controversy