Raichur: The Karnataka Panchayat Raj Department has suspended Praveen Kumar, Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Sirwar taluk, for participating in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Path Sanchalan in Lingasugur. The action came after a Vartha Bharati report revealed his involvement in the RSS centenary celebration parade.
According to the suspension order issued by Dr. Arundhati Chandrashekhar, Commissioner of the Panchayat Raj Department and Disciplinary Authority, Praveen Kumar has been placed under suspension pending inquiry. The officer, known to be a close aide of Lingasugur MLA Manappa Vajjal, was seen in the RSS uniform carrying a stick during the march.
The order cited Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which requires government employees to maintain integrity, devotion to duty, and political neutrality. The department found Kumar’s participation in an event organised by a political-ideological organisation to be a violation of these rules. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated, and he will remain suspended until the inquiry is completed.
The report, published on October 14, brought attention to the incident, prompting the authorities to act. The case has sparked debate about the neutrality of civil servants and the need to ensure that government employees stay detached from political or ideological organisations.
The suspension order reinforces the state government’s stand that public servants must not engage in activities linked to political or religious groups while in service, to preserve the impartiality expected of government institutions.
