Two Yadgir Teachers Suspended Pending Inquiry
The Karnataka Education Department has suspended two government school teachers in Yadgir district for participating in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Patha Sanchalana, or route marches. The teachers have been suspended pending departmental inquiries, with authorities stating that their participation prima facie violated the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021.
The suspension orders were issued on August 20 by Yadgir Deputy Director of School Education Channabasappa Mudhol.
The two teachers are Gururaj Joshi, an assistant teacher at Government Girls’ High School in Hunasagi, and Anna Saheb Deshmukh, head teacher at Government Lower Primary School in Kuppi, Surpur taluk.
Education Department Cites Service Conduct Rules
According to the suspension proceedings, the teachers’ participation in RSS route marches was considered a possible violation of service conduct rules applicable to government employees.
The department has described the participation as prima facie dereliction of duty and has ordered departmental inquiries to examine the matter. The final outcome will depend on the findings of those proceedings.
The action has brought renewed attention to restrictions governing the political and organisational activities of government employees.
Teachers Defend Their Participation
The teachers have reportedly argued that the events they attended were held on Sundays and outside official working hours. They also maintained that the programmes were cultural rather than political in nature.
However, the Education Department did not accept this explanation and proceeded with the suspension pending the departmental inquiry.
Action Follows Complaints Over Participation
The matter came under scrutiny following complaints regarding the teachers’ participation in RSS activities.
The department also examined whether the teachers had complied with other service requirements while attending the events. The proceedings have therefore focused not only on participation in the marches but also on the conduct expected from government employees under applicable service rules.
Political Debate Erupts Over Suspensions
The suspension has triggered a political debate in Karnataka, with Opposition leaders questioning the government’s decision.
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy criticised the action and questioned what major offence the teachers had committed by attending the RSS march.
The issue has also drawn criticism from BJP leaders, who have described the action as politically motivated and argued that participation in an RSS programme should not automatically result in disciplinary action.
The Karnataka government, however, has maintained that the action is based on applicable service conduct rules.
Departmental Inquiry to Determine Next Steps
The two teachers will remain under suspension while the departmental proceedings examine the allegations against them.
The inquiry is expected to determine whether their participation amounted to a breach of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021 and whether further disciplinary action is warranted.
Until the proceedings are completed, the allegations against the teachers remain subject to the outcome of the departmental inquiry.
Government Employees’ Conduct Rules in Focus
The Karnataka case has highlighted the broader question of how government employees can participate in activities associated with organisations outside their official duties.
For teachers working in government schools, the issue also raises questions about professional conduct, political neutrality and the boundaries governing participation in public or organisational activities.
The final decision in the departmental inquiries will determine whether the suspensions are followed by further disciplinary action or whether the teachers are cleared of the allegations.