The authorities in the northern Indian state ofUttar Pradesh say Muslim children will not be forced to sing a Hindu patriotic song at prayers in government-run schools.

Muslim scholars had opposed a reported move to make it compulsory for the anthem, Vande Matram, to be sung in primary schools.

The state minister of education, Ravindra Shukla, said those opposed to the song could remain silent when it was being sung during what he described as a scheme to include moral education.