Karnataka reissues 2013 order restricting govt school use, seen as curb on RSS activities
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Bengaluru: The Congress-led Karnataka government has reissued an old circular originally dated February 7, 2013, which prohibits the use of government school premises for private or non-academic purposes. The move, seen as a precursor to curbing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities in schools, follows a recent request from Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge seeking a ban on RSS events in public educational institutions.
The circular, issued by the Commissioner of the Karnataka Public Instruction Department and signed by then Commissioner S.R. Umashankar, states that school grounds and premises should only be used by students for daily academic and physical education activities. It further directs that no permissions should be granted or proposals forwarded for activities unrelated to educational purposes.
Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that the decision to reissue the circular was due to Priyank Kharge’s letter urging action against RSS programs in public spaces, including schools and colleges. The reissued order, they said, would provide the legal basis to implement such restrictions statewide.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly asked Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to examine the demand for banning RSS activities in public institutions and to study similar measures taken in Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that while the issue was not part of the scheduled cabinet meeting agenda, it could be taken up as an additional item. “There is already a rule against allowing private or religious activities in government spaces. This is not new, but it has not been strictly enforced. We will see what decision is taken if the matter comes up in the cabinet,” he said.
Officials indicated that the cabinet may discuss the matter later in the day to decide on the next steps for implementing the restriction across the state.
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Two arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting woman at knifepoint in Kochi
Kochi (PTI): Two persons have been arrested after a three-member gang allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at knifepoint near Ernakulam Junction Railway station, officials said on Friday.
The arrested accused were identified as Danish (26), a native of Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district, and Rahul (39), a native of Paravoor in Kollam district.
Police officials said they were searching for the prime accused, Sanjay, a native of Aroor in Alappuzha district.
According to police, the incident occurred on the night of May 5 when the victim was chatting with her friend near a closed hotel near Ernakulam Junction Railway station.
Officials said the accused approached them, attacked the victim’s friend and then allegedly threatened the woman with a knife before sexually assaulting her.
Police said the accused also allegedly disrobed the victim during the attack.
However, the woman managed to escape from the spot and approached a nearby shop for help.
Police were informed immediately and shifted the victim to the police station.
Officials said the accused were heavily drunk at the time of the incident and went into hiding soon after the attack.
Police registered a case on May 6 under charges including rape, disrobing a woman, criminal intimidation and robbery.
The two accused were later arrested in the city, while efforts are continuing to trace Sanjay, police said.
The accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
