Indian government officially lifted a ban that prevented public servants from participating in the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).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.
This circular is only for central government employees. State governments have their own Conduct Rules for their employees, and issue such instructions from time to time.
DoPT’s Directive
- On 9th July 2024, the DoPT announced the removal of references to the RSS from Official Memorandums (OM) issued in 1966, 1970, and 1980.
- The RSS is no longer considered a “political” organisation, allowing central government employees to participate in its activities without penalties under Rule 5(1) of the Conduct Rules.
- However, this reclassification does not apply to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which remains a political organisation, prohibiting government officials from engaging in its activities.
- Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 prohibits government servants from being associated with political parties or engaging in political activities.
Official Memorandums (OM) of 1966, 1970, and 1980
- OM of 1966: On 30th November 1966, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a circular clarifying its stance on government employees’ involvement with the RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami, labelling participation in these organisations as contrary to government policy.
- The circular referenced Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and stated that those involved with these groups could face disciplinary action.
- A similar rule is present in the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, applicable to IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service officers.
- OM of 1970: On 25th July 1970, the MHA stressed that government employees should face disciplinary action for violating the instructions issued on 30th November 1966.
- During the Emergency (1975 to 1977) government issued directives for action against members of various groups, including the RSS, Jamaat-e-Islami, Ananda Marg, and CPI-ML, whose activities were prohibited at that time.
- OM of 1980: On 28th October 1980, government issued a directive emphasising the importance of maintaining a secular perspective among government employees and highlighted the critical need to eliminate communal sentiments and biases.
Position Before 1966
- Prior to 1966, government employees in India were governed by the Government Servants’ Conduct Rules of 1949, which explicitly prohibited participation in political activities.
- This prohibition was reiterated in Rule 23 of the 1949 rules, aligning with Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
Penalty for Violations of Rules
- Violations of these rules (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.
- Both rules state that if there’s any uncertainty about a party’s political involvement or an activity’s compliance, the government’s decision is final.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
- The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a Hindu nationalist volunteer organisation founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Dr. K.B. Hedgewar in response to perceived threats to Hindu culture and society, particularly during British colonial rule.
- It aims to promote the idea of Hindutva, which emphasises Hindu cultural and national identity.
Pre-Independence Era
- The organization played a significant role in social and cultural mobilisation among Hindus. It focused on community service, education, and the promotion of Hindu values.
Post-Independence
- After India’s independence in 1947, the RSS faced scrutiny, especially after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse in 1948. The organisation was banned for a short period but was later reinstated.
Ideology
- The central ideology of the RSS, articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, promotes the idea that India is fundamentally a Hindu nation.
- The RSS emphasises the importance of Indian culture and heritage, aiming to unite people under a common national identity.
- The organization engages in various social service activities, including education, health care, and disaster relief, promoting the idea of “Seva” (service) among its members.
Contribution to Freedom Struggle
- RSS did not participate directly in the Indian independence movement, it contributed to the socio-political awakening of Hindus.
History of Ban of RSS
- 1948: Banned after Gandhi’s assassination; lifted in 1949 after pledging loyalty to the Constitution.
- 1966: Government employees banned from joining RSS, reiterated in 1970 and 1980.
- 1975-1977: Banned during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency; lifted in 1977.
- 1992: Banned post-Babri Masjid demolition, lifted in 1993 after a commission deemed the ban unjustified.
Structure and Functioning
- The RSS operates through a network of shakhas (branches) across India and abroad, focusing on physical, intellectual, and cultural training.
- It has inspired many other organizations, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
- Political Influence: It is considered the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been a major political force in India since the 1990s.