July 22, 2024
In a significant policy shift, the Narendra Modi-led central government has lifted a 58-year-old ban that prevented government employees from participating in programs organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This move has sparked both praise and criticism.
Background:
- The RSS, initially declared an unlawful organization in 1948 after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, has faced scrutiny over its activities.
- In 1966, a fresh ban was introduced, barring government servants from participating in RSS activities due to concerns about their conduct.
Recent Development:
- On July 9, 2024, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an order removing the ban that had been in place since 1966.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the timing of this decision, given recent tensions between the self-anointed non-biological Prime Minister and the RSS.
- Ramesh humorously remarked, “The bureaucracy can now come in knickers too, I suppose,” alluding to the RSS’s traditional khaki shorts (replaced by brown trousers in 2016).
Implications:
- The move aims to strengthen the country’s democratic system, according to the RSS.
- However, critics argue that government employees should remain neutral and not associate with any specific organization.
This decision opens new avenues for government employees but also raises questions about their role and responsibilities. Stay tuned for further developments1.
