RSS shakhas set to return, but only where risk of Covid infection is low

RSS asks district units to consult public before starting shakhas again, says decision is in line with new govt guidelines allowing 100 people to gather.

Representational image of RSS cadres | ANI

New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has now told its district units across the country that they can resume shakhas or gatherings of volunteers, which had been suspended since March due to Covid-19.

Shakhas are the smallest unit of the RSS at the grassroot level, where volunteers pray together and participate in exercises such as self-defence training.

The RSS discussed the issue at length in recent meetings, and told its district units that depending on the situation and after taking people’s opinion, shakhas can be resumed.

“Wherever shakhas will be held, social distancing will be maintained, and swayamsevaks have been told that they should only choose such areas where the risk of infection is low. At the same time, workers have also been told that they should consult the public and take their opinion in case they have any safety issues, as in many places, cases are still increasing,” an RSS functionary told ThePrint.

Decision according to fresh guidelines

A second senior RSS functionary said the decision has been taken according to the fresh guidelines issued by the Union home ministry, allowing gatherings of up to 100 people from 21 September. The guidelines, issued on 29 August, have increased the number of people allowed to attend social, academic, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, political functions and other congregations from 50 to 100.

The RSS holds around 70,000 shakhas daily to execute a set regimen of physical, mental and spiritual activities. Since the beginning of the nationwide lockdown, shakhas have been held online too.

“Our work never stops. Due to the lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic, we had asked everyone to meditate and pray within the confines of their homes. At the same time, a number of our functionaries also made use of the internet to organise e-shakhas. We witnessed a huge increase in the number of participants too,” the senior functionary quoted above added.