NPN

A Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) in Karnataka's Raichur district has been suspended for taking part in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) march. The suspended PDO has been identified as Praveen Kumar KV, who was posted in Siravar Taluk Panchayat. This action by the Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RDPR) comes after Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Khadge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanding action against RSS-affiliated government officials and employees and those participating in their programmes. Participating in the march wearing RSS uniform According to information, the PDO has been suspended for participating in the centenary celebrations of the RSS during a route march in Lingsugur on October 12 by wearing the organization's uniform and carrying a stick. IAS Dr. The suspension order issued by Arundhati Chandrasekhar said her 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 till further notice. Charges against officials The order further said that he violated Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which requires government servants to maintain political neutrality, honesty and conduct commensurate with their position. The report also stated that his conduct was not up to the standard expected of a government servant. Commissioner of Panchayat Raj Department Dr. Arundhati Chandrasekhar issued the suspension order citing violation of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. It said, "Parvin Kumar KV, Panchayat Development Officer of Sirwada, wearing uniform and participating in RSS path movement is in violation of the Karnataka Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 2021 and circular not to be associated with any organization involved in political activities. The government said the officer's conduct is in violation of Rule 5(1) of the Conduct Rules, which prohibits government employees from being members of or associated with any political party or organization involved in political activities."