Govt Asks UPSC to Withdraw Lateral Entry Advertisement Amid Criticism

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th August. The Indian government has asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to retract its recent advertisement for lateral entry into bureaucracy. This request follows intense opposition criticism and concerns raised by ally Chirag Paswan.

Union Minister Jitender Singh, in a letter to the UPSC chief, emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes the lateral entry process should align with principles of social justice and equity. The advertisement had sought applications for senior positions, including Joint Secretary and Director, across 24 ministries, but faced backlash from various quarters.

Paswan, reflecting concerns from SC/ST and backward communities, had voiced objections about the lack of reservation provisions in the lateral entry process. The criticism extended to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who denounced the move as an “attack on Dalits,” though the BJP noted that the concept of lateral entry was introduced under a Congress-led government.

The lateral entry system, formally introduced during Modi’s tenure, aimed to bring external expertise into mid and senior-level government positions, departing from the traditional reliance on career civil servants. While the concept was endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) and the Sixth Pay Commission, its implementation has faced scrutiny over transparency and fairness.

Singh’s letter highlighted past issues with reservation protocols in high-profile lateral appointments and stressed that upholding constitutional mandates for social justice is crucial. Opposition leaders have accused the Modi government of using lateral entry to favor individuals loyal to the RSS.

The UPSC is now expected to cancel the advertisement for lateral entry recruitment, marking a significant shift towards addressing concerns about social justice and reservation in government appointments.