The Delhi government authorized the use of 72 schools to house delegates for an RSS-affiliated tribal convention held in May 2024 [1].
The decision raises questions about the use of public educational infrastructure for events linked to ideological organizations. While government facilities are occasionally used for large gatherings, the scale of this accommodation arrangement has drawn scrutiny regarding the neutrality of state resources.
According to official communication from the Directorate of Education, the "Competent Authority has granted permission to Janjati Suraksha Manch, an RSS‑affiliated organisation, for arranging accommodation facilities for delegates and guests from May 21 to May 25 in identified 72 schools" [2]. The Janjati Suraksha Manch organized the gathering, which focused on tribal heritage and identity.
The accommodation period spanned from May 21 to May 25, 2024 [2]. The primary event, identified as a tribal gathering or the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam, took place at the Red Fort on May 24, 2024 [1].
Delegates and guests of the Janjati Suraksha Manch were distributed across the 72 identified school facilities [1]. The Directorate of Education provided the necessary permissions to ensure the organization could house its attendees during the convention. The event aimed to bring together tribal representatives for a series of discussions, and cultural activities near the historic Red Fort.
Reports indicate that the schools served as temporary hostels for the duration of the event [1]. The use of these facilities allowed the RSS-linked organization to manage a large volume of guests without relying solely on private hotels in the city.
“72 schools were identified for accommodation facilities.”
The use of government-run schools to support an event organized by an RSS-affiliated group highlights the intersection of state administration and ideological mobilization in Delhi. By providing infrastructure for the Janjati Suraksha Manch, the Directorate of Education facilitated a large-scale gathering of tribal delegates, illustrating how public resources can be leveraged to support specific socio-political agendas under the guise of cultural or community events.
