Uttarakhand Govt Allows State Employees to Participate in RSS Activities

Uttarakhand government permits state employees to join Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities outside office hours, stating it won't violate conduct rules. This decision, confirmed by Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan, aims to ensure participation does not hinder official duties.

The Uttarakhand government has announced that state employees' participation in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) morning and evening meetings, as well as other cultural and social activities, will not violate the Uttarakhand State Employees Conduct Rules-2002. Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan issued orders allowing this involvement, provided it does not interfere with official duties.

In a letter dated September 5, Vardhan clarified that government employees are now permitted to engage in RSS activities outside of their normal working hours. This decision follows governmental deliberations and ensures that participation does not impede their responsibilities.

Vardhan further emphasized that previous government orders on this matter are now considered superseded. This directive comes in the wake of political debates sparked by similar central government rulings, which BJP leader Amit Malviya highlighted while referencing historical contexts of bans imposed on RSS activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)