Current Affairs

Issue

The Haryana government has lifted a 54-year-old rule that prevented state government employees from joining or being associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jamaat-e-Islami. 

 

Background

The restriction was first imposed on November 30, 1966 under the Service (Conduct) Rules of the state government.

 

Details

The government during that time had felt that these were not merely cultural or social organisations. The ban was briefly lifted in 1975 but reimposed in 1980.

 

Reasons for the restrictions

• To eradicate communal feelings

• Prevent government employees from being biased

 

Actions against violation

Employees participating in the organisations or with their activities were liable to undergo disciplinary action.

 

Reasons for lifting ban

• RSS or Jamaat-e-Islami is not political organisations registered with the Election Commission of India.

• The MHA had already removed the ban from all government servants across the country from joining organisations including RSS/Jamaat-e-Islami.

 

Conditions in other states

• In J&K, employees can be removed if they are associated with these groupings. The Jamaat-e-Islami is banned for five years under the provisions of UAPA.

• RSS, Jamaat-e-Islami and 17 other organisations are banned for government employees in Rajasthan. Disciplinary actions can be taken if employees post in favour of these groups on social media.

• Such rules existed in Madhya Pradesh as well. It was removed in 2006. There were reports that RSS members were prohibited from joining government services in Goa. 

• The Chhattisgarh government had withdrawn restrictions on joining RSS in 2015. The Himachal Pradesh government too removed the restrictions in 2008.