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Karnataka's Teacher Crackdown: Why RSS March Participation Sparked Suspensions

Karnataka's education department has taken action against four teachers for participating in RSS foot marches. The teachers from Aurad taluk received show-cause notices citing violation of government service rules. This crackdown follows Minister Priyank Kharge's push to restrict RSS activities in public spaces. Meanwhile, the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal has stayed the suspension of another government employee in a similar case.

Key Points: Karnataka Teachers Face Action for RSS Foot March Participation

  • Four Bidar district teachers face suspension for RSS march participation
  • Notices cite social media evidence of teachers' involvement in October events
  • Action follows Minister Priyank Kharge's letters banning RSS activities
  • Karnataka Administrative Tribunal stays suspension of another RSS participant
3 min read

Karnataka Education Dept issues notice to teachers for taking part in RSS march

Four Karnataka teachers issued show-cause notices for participating in RSS foot marches, facing potential suspension under government service rules violation.

"By participating in the RSS foot march, you have violated government service rules. - Aurad Block Education Officer notice"

Bengaluru, Oct 30

The Congress-led government in Karnataka, on Thursday, continued the crackdown on government staffers for identifying with the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and taking part in foot marches across the state.

The development of notices being issued to four teachers from Aurad taluk in Bidar district in the state for participating in an RSS foot march by authorities has come to light.

The Aurad Block Education Officer (BEO) issued the notices asking them to explain their participation.

The RSS foot march had taken place in Aurad on October 7 and 13.

Teachers named Mahadev, Shalivan, Prakash, and Satish had participated in it.

On October 27, Dalit Sena leaders submitted a complaint to the BEO demanding action against the teachers.

The very next day, on Tuesday, the BEO issued show cause notices to all four teachers.

The notice said: "You are found to have participated in the RSS foot march held in Aurad taluk of Bidar district on October 7 and 13. Videos and photographs of your participation have been widely circulated on social media. Being government employees, you are prohibited from taking part in any political or religious activities. By participating in the RSS foot march, you have violated government service rules."

"Hence, upon receiving this notice, you are directed to submit a written explanation and appear in person before this office. Failing to do so will result in unilateral action being taken against you under the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1957," it added.

The state government authorities have started issuing notices to government staffers for identifying with the RSS following the letter written by Minister Priyank Kharge to ban RSS activities in public places.

He had also written another letter specifically urging the state government to initiate action against government employees who identify and give donations to the RSS.

Following the government's action, the state has passed an order making it mandatory for all private organisations to obtain permission from authorities to conduct activities in public places and government-owned premises.

In a setback to the Congress-led government, the High Court Kalaburagi bench had stayed this order.

The state government has said that it would appeal against the court order.

The Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT), on Thursday, stayed the Congress-led government's order suspending a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) for participating in a foot march organised by the RSS.

The KAT has issued a stay order over the suspension order of PDO Praveen Kumar.

The authorities have suspended him for taking part in the RSS foot march in Lingasagur of Raichur district.

The PDO had questioned his suspension in the KAT and claimed that his suspension is against the law and done due to political pressure.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This seems like selective targeting. Many government employees participate in various organization activities without facing consequences. The timing and focus on RSS specifically raises questions about political vendetta rather than genuine rule enforcement.
M
Michael C
As someone working in education sector, I believe teachers should be role models for students. Participating in political marches during personal time is one thing, but when it becomes public and affects their professional image, the department has to take action.
S
Shreya B
The court stays on these actions show that the government might be overreaching. Everyone has fundamental rights to association. As long as teachers aren't promoting political agendas in classrooms, their personal activities should be their own business. 🇮🇳
A
Aman W
Rules are rules - they apply equally to all government employees. If the service conduct rules prohibit political participation, then action must be taken regardless of which organization it is. Consistency is key here.
N
Nisha Z
This political drama is affecting education. Instead of focusing on improving school infrastructure and teacher training, we're seeing unnecessary controversies. Both sides should focus on actual governance rather than these symbolic battles. 😔

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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