RSS to expand into 88 regional units, significant increase in number of shakhas

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is set to expand by making a major change in its organizational structure. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale made this announcement on the final day of a three-day annual meeting held at Delhi College in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He stated that as part of the expansion planning for the Sangh's centenary year, it will be reorganized into 88 divisions (sambhag) instead of the current 46 regional units (prant).

Hosabale clarified that new Sanghchalaks and executive committees will be selected following the organizational elections to be held in November-December. Subsequently, these 88 divisions will be formed, and all future action plans will be prepared from the perspective of these 88 divisions. This reorganization will help the organization to plan and coordinate its activities more effectively across the country.

Presenting figures of the Sangh's nationwide expansion, Hosabale stated that this year the RSS has reached 10,241 new locations, increasing its presence across the country to 1,03,397 locations. He claimed that there has been a 150% increase in shakhas in West Bengal during the last one year. He added that previously, they had to face strictness and physical opposition in running shakhas there, but the situation has changed and such opposition has not been present.

Speaking on the progress of the Sangh in the North-East and other areas, he said that weekly programs have started at 48 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, while currently two shakhas are operational in Mizoram. Additionally, the RSS has also established its presence in Ladakh. In a recent program held at Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, more than 5,000 participants, including people from 13 small islands, joined.

Referring to attacks on Sangh workers, Hosabale stated that in the past, workers were murdered in Tripura and Assam, while workers also lost their lives due to conflicts in Kerala. Nevertheless, despite all these challenges, the Sangh has increased its reach.

On the protests of the younger generation and Gen Z issues, Hosabale said that the aspirations and grievances of the youth should be resolved through dialogue. He warned that the dissatisfaction of the youth should not be used for political purposes. He alleged that "anarchist elements" from within and outside India are attempting to incite the youth for political interests, social division, and violence.

Sharing his experiences, he said, "When we were young, we too participated in protests out of anger. We were also in the JP movement, so every young generation has a sense against the establishment and the thoughts of that time." He added that there are ways to give this energy a proper direction, but its misuse, political selfishness, attempts to break society, or the use of violence should not happen at all, and the Sangh opposes this.

On the issue of reservation, he reiterated that quotas (reservation) should continue as long as social and educational inequalities arising from discrimination are not removed. According to a report by Hindustan Times, all these issues were discussed during the annual meeting in Indore.