Centre lifts ban on Govt staff joining RSS activities

1. In July 2024, the Indian government lifted a ban that restricted public servants from participating in activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
2. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued this decision, removing mentions of the RSS from official memorandums from the years 1966, 1970, and 1980.

1. This circular applies only to central government employees.
2. State governments have separate Conduct Rules for their employees and issue relevant instructions independently.

Rules About Government Employees Joining RSS

1. DoPT's Directive: The DoPT announced the removal of the RSS references in the Official Memorandums (OM) from 1966, 1970, and 1980.

1. The RSS is no longer classified as a "political" organization. Central government employees can now participate in RSS activities without violating Rule 5(1) of the Conduct Rules.
2. However, this change does not apply to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which remains categorized as a political organization, barring government officials from its activities.

2. Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964: This rule prohibits government employees from joining political parties or engaging in political activities.

Overview of Official Memorandums (OM) from 1966, 1970, and 1980

OM of 1966:

1. Issued on November 30, 1966, by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
2. This circular clarified the government's stance against employees participating in the RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami, citing these activities as against government policy.
3. The circular referenced Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, warning of disciplinary actions against those involved with these organizations.
4. A similar rule exists under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, for IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service officers.

OM of 1970:

1. On July 25, 1970, the MHA reiterated that government employees should face disciplinary measures for breaching the 1966 instructions.
2. During the Emergency period (1975-1977), the government directed actions against members of several organizations.
3. These include the RSS, Jamaat-e-Islami, Ananda Marg, and Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML), whose activities were banned at the time.

OM of 1980:

1. On October 28, 1980, a directive was issued emphasizing the need for a secular outlook among government employees and the elimination of communal biases.

Position Before 1966

1. Before 1966, government employees were governed by the Government Servants' Conduct Rules of 1949, which explicitly (in a clear and detailed manner) barred (banned) participation in political activities.
2. This prohibition was reiterated in Rule 23 of the 1949 rules, which aligns with Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

Penalties for Rule Violations

1. Violating Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, or the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, can lead to severe consequences, including dismissal from service.
2. Both rules stipulate (specify) that if there is any doubt regarding a party's political nature or an activity's compliance, the government's decision is final.

About Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

1. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu nationalist volunteer organization established in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar.
2. It was created in response to perceived (considered) threats to Hindu culture and society, particularly during British rule in India.
3. The RSS aims to promote the concept of Hindutva, emphasizing Hindu cultural and national identity.
4. Pre-Independence Period: The RSS played a key role in mobilizing social and cultural activities among Hindus. It concentrated on community service, education, and the promotion of Hindu values.
5. Post-Independence Era: After India gained independence in 1947, the RSS came under scrutiny, particularly after Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948.

1. The organization was banned temporarily but was later allowed to resume activities.

6. Ideology: The RSS’s core ideology influenced by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and it holds that India is fundamentally a Hindu nation.

2. It emphasizes the importance of preserving Indian culture and heritage, striving to unite people under a common national identity.
3. The organization is involved in various social service activities, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief, promoting the concept of "Seva" (service) among its members.

7. Contribution to the Freedom Struggle: Although the RSS did not actively participate in the Indian independence movement, it contributed to the socio-political awakening among Hindus.

8. History of Bans on RSS:

1. 1948: Banned after Gandhi's assassination; reinstated in 1949 after the organization pledged loyalty to the Constitution.
2. 1966: Ban on government employees joining the RSS, reiterated in 1970 and 1980.
3. 1975-1977: Banned during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi; ban lifted in 1977.
4. 1992: Banned following the Babri Masjid demolition; ban lifted in 1993 after a commission found the ban to be unjustified.

9. Structure and Operations: The RSS functions through a widespread network of shakhas (branches) across India and abroad, focusing on physical, intellectual, and cultural training.

1. It has inspired the creation of various other organizations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

About the Jamaat-e-Islami

1. Founded in 1941 in British India by Abul A'la Maududi. It is a socio-religious and political organization.
2. It focuses on promoting Islamic values and implementing Islamic principles in both society and governance. The organization advocates for establishing an Islamic state governed by Sharia law.
3. The Government of India officially banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir in March 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

1. UAPA was passed in 1967. It aims at effective prevention of unlawful activities associations in India.
2. Unlawful activity refers to any action taken by an individual or association intended to disrupt the territorial integrity and sovereignty of India.

Ananda Marga

1. Ananda Marga was established in 1955 by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. It is a socio-spiritual organization known for its Progressive Utilization Theory (Prout).
2. Prout is a socio-economic model that emphasizes the physical, mental, and spiritual development of all individuals.

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