Bengaluru: The Congress-led Karnataka government on Thursday reissued a circular from 2013 that forbids the use of government school grounds for private purposes, signalling a possible clampdown on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities on school premises.

The circular, originally issued on February 7, 2013, by then Commissioner of the Karnataka Public Instruction Department S.R. Umashankar, stated that government school grounds should be used solely for academic or school-related activities. Any requests for private or non-academic use were to be denied and not forwarded to the Commissioner’s office.

The reissue follows a letter from Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge, demanding a ban on RSS activities in public spaces, including schools and colleges. Sources in the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that the release of the old circular was a response to Kharge’s recommendation.

The circular noted that when a request was made to use school grounds in Chamarajpet, Bengaluru, it was found that such premises should only host daily student activities like sports, physical education, or other academic programs. “In this background, school premises and grounds should not be used for activities unrelated to academics or educational objectives. It is directed that no permission should be issued for such purposes,” the circular said.

State sources indicated that the government intends to use the circular to enforce a ban on all RSS activities within school premises. The matter is expected to be discussed in the cabinet meeting on Thursday (October 16).

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said, “At present, the issue of banning RSS activities is not on the cabinet meeting’s agenda. If it comes up as an additional agenda item, we will discuss it and make a decision. Usually, there are additional agendas.”

He added, “There is already a provision against allowing private or religious activities in government spaces. This is not new. However, it has not been strictly implemented. At times, when one or more organisations sought permission for public grounds, a decision was taken to either allow one of them or deny permission to all. We will see what decision is taken in the cabinet meeting when the matter comes up for discussion.”

It may be recalled that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier instructed Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to examine the demand for banning RSS activities in public spaces, particularly in government and aided school premises. The CM also directed her to review similar measures taken in Tamil Nadu. IANS