Ban Lifted on Public Servants’ Participation in RSS Activities

Context:

Recently, the Indian government lifted a longstanding ban preventing public servants from participating in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities. This decision, issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), removed references to the RSS from official memorandums dating back to 1966, 1970, and 1980.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Rules Regarding Government Employees Joining RSS
2. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

Rules Regarding Government Employees Joining RSS

Recent Developments:

• DoPT Directive (July 9, 2024):
  • The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has recently removed references to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) from official memorandums issued in 1966, 1970, and 1980.
  • As a result, the RSS is no longer classified as a “political” organization, allowing central government employees to participate in its activities without facing penalties under Rule 5(1) of the Conduct Rules.
• Jamaat-e-Islami:
  • The Jamaat-e-Islami remains classified as a political organization. Government employees are prohibited from engaging in its activities.

Conduct Rules:

• Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964:
  • This rule prohibits government servants from being associated with political parties or engaging in political activities.
  • Prior to the recent directive, involvement with organizations like the RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami was considered a violation of this rule, leading to potential disciplinary actions.
• All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968:
  • Similar rules apply to IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service officers, prohibiting political affiliations and activities.

Official Memorandums:

• OM of 1966 (November 30, 1966):
  • Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), this circular clarified that involvement with the RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami was contrary to government policy and could result in disciplinary action.
  • This circular referenced Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
• OM of 1970 (July 25, 1970):
  • Emphasized that government employees should face disciplinary action for violating the 1966 instructions.
  • During the Emergency (1975-1977), directives were issued against members of various groups, including the RSS, Jamaat-e-Islami, Ananda Marg, and CPI-ML.
• OM of 1980 (October 28, 1980):
  • Stressed the importance of maintaining secularism among government employees and eliminating communal sentiments and biases.

Historical Context:

• Position Before 1966:
  • Government employees were governed by the Government Servants’ Conduct Rules of 1949, which explicitly prohibited participation in political activities.
  • This prohibition was aligned with Rule 23 of the 1949 rules, continuing into Rule 5 of the 1964 rules and the 1968 All India Services rules.

Penalties for Violations:

• Consequences:
  • Violations of Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, can lead to serious consequences, including dismissal from service.
  • The government retains final authority in determining compliance and interpreting the rules concerning political activities and affiliations.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

 Overview:

• Founding:
  • Established in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar.
  • Created in response to perceived threats to Hindu culture and society during British colonial rule.
• Objective:
  • Promote Hindutva, emphasizing Hindu cultural and national identity.

Historical Context:

• Pre-Independence Era:
  • Focused on social and cultural mobilisation among Hindus.
  • Engaged in community service, education, and the promotion of Hindu values.
• Post-Independence:
  • Scrutiny increased after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948 by Nathuram Godse, leading to a temporary ban.
  • The ban was lifted after RSS pledged loyalty to the Indian Constitution.

 Ideology:

• Core Belief:
  • India is fundamentally a Hindu nation, as articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
  • Emphasizes Indian culture and heritage, aiming to unite people under a common national identity.
• Activities:
  • Engages in social service activities including education, healthcare, and disaster relief.
  • Promotes the concept of “Seva” (service) among its members.

Contribution to Freedom Struggle:

• Role:
  • Did not participate directly in the Indian independence movement.
  • Contributed to the socio-political awakening of Hindus.

History of Bans:

• 1948:
  • Banned following Gandhi’s assassination; reinstated in 1949 after a pledge to uphold the Constitution.
• 1966:
  • Government employees banned from joining the RSS, reiterated in 1970 and 1980.
• 1975-1977:
  • Banned during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency; ban lifted in 1977.
• 1992:
  • Banned post-Babri Masjid demolition; lifted in 1993 after a commission found the ban unjustified.

Structure and Functioning:

• Organization:
  • Operates through a network of shakhas (branches) across India and abroad.
  • Focuses on physical, intellectual, and cultural training.
• Influence:
  • Inspired organizations such as Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

Political Influence:

• BJP Linkage:
  • Considered the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a major political force in India since the 1990s.

-Source: Indian Express