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Karnataka’s Rural Development Department suspended Raichur PDO Praveen Kumar KV for participating in an RSS event in uniform, citing violation of civil service conduct rules.
Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) in Karnataka’s Raichur suspended (Photos: News18)
A Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) in Karnataka’s Raichur was suspended for allegedly participating in a uniformed event of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The suspended PDO was identified as Praveen Kumar KV, who was posted in Sirawar Taluk Panchayat.
The action by Karnataka’s Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) comes close on the heels of Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge writing to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking action against government officers and employees associated with the RSS, and those who are taking part in their events.
On Thursday, the Karnataka cabinet had decided to prohibit the activities of private organisations in government and government-aided schools and colleges and public places.
The decision was made especially to prevent the RSS from conducting its Shakha in government institutions and public premises.
The suspension order, which cited a violation of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, was issued by Dr Arundhathi Chandrashekhar, Commissioner of the Panchayat Raj Department.
It stated, “The act of Praveen Kumar KV, Panchayat Development Officer, Sirawara, wearing a uniform and participating in the RSS patha sanchalana, constitutes a violation of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, and the circular regarding not being associated with any organisation engaged in political activity.”
The government noted that the official’s conduct was a contravention of Rule 5(1) of the Conduct Rules, which prohibits government servants from being members of or being associated with any political party or organisation engaged in political activities.
The order further quoted the rule, and mentioned, “government servants are strictly prohibited from being members of, or otherwise associated with, any political party or any organisation engaged in politics, or taking part in any political movement or activity, and shall not be solicited for its support or render any assistance thereto.”
The suspension will remain in effect pending a detailed inquiry.
The suspension order concluded with a reference to the Karnataka Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1958, which govern disciplinary proceedings against government servants.
Praveen Kumar has been directed not to leave the headquarters without permission from the competent authority during his suspension period.
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Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi…Read More
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi… Read More
October 18, 2025, 07:06 IST
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