Panchayat Development Officer suspended for participating in RSS march, departmental inquiry ordered:

News Topical, Digital Desk : A Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) in Karnataka's Raichur district has been suspended for participating in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) march. The suspended PDO has been identified as Praveen Kumar KV, who was posted in the Sirawar Taluk Panchayat. This action by the Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RDPR) comes after Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanding action against government officials and employees associated with the RSS and those participating in their programmes.

Participated in the march wearing RSS uniform

According to reports, the PDO has been suspended for participating in the RSS centenary celebrations on October 12th during a route march in Lingsugur, wearing the organization's uniform and carrying a stick. The suspension order, issued by IAS Dr. Arundhati Chandrashekhar, states that his actions violated the Civil Service Conduct Rules, which require political neutrality and discipline. A departmental inquiry has been ordered, and the officer concerned will remain suspended with subsistence allowance until further notice.

allegations against officials

The order further stated that he violated Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which requires government servants to maintain political neutrality, integrity, and conduct befitting their position. The report also stated that his conduct was not up to the standard expected of a government servant.

Dr. Arundhathi Chandrashekhar, Commissioner of the Panchayat Raj Department, issued the suspension order, citing violation of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. It stated, "Participation of the Panchayat Development Officer of Sirwada, Praveen Kumar KV, in the RSS Path Sanchalan while wearing uniform, is in violation of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021 and the circular regarding non-association with any organisation involved in political activities." The government said the officer's conduct was in violation of Rule 5(1) of the Conduct Rules, which prohibits government servants from being members of or associated with any political party or organisation involved in political activities.