Centre backs down on lateral entry after pressure, asks UPSC to cancel latest advertisement
PTC News Desk: In a significant move, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced on Tuesday that the lateral entry advertisement recently issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) would be cancelled following directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision comes in the wake of mounting pressure from political allies and opposition parties.
Last Saturday, the UPSC had advertised for 45 posts, including 10 joint secretaries and 35 directors/deputy secretaries, to be filled through lateral entry on a contract basis. The lateral entry scheme is designed to bring specialists, including those from the private sector, into government departments to enhance their efficiency and expertise.
However, in his letter to the UPSC Chairperson, Minister Jitendra Singh emphasised that the Prime Minister believes the lateral entry process must adhere to the principles of equity and social justice as enshrined in the Constitution, particularly in relation to the provisions of reservation.
“The Prime Minister is of the firm belief that the process of lateral entry must be aligned with the principles of equity and social justice enshrined in our Constitution, particularly concerning the provisions of reservation,” the letter stated.
This cancellation follows concerns raised by BJP ally and Union Minister Chirag Paswan, who voiced apprehensions about appointments in government posts being made without provisions for reservation. The issue has sparked a political row, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accusing the government of ‘attacking’ the rights of Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis through the lateral entry scheme.
In response, the Centre has defended its stance, accusing the Congress of misleading the public. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pointed out that lateral entry in bureaucracy has been in practice since the 1970s, during Congress-led governments, citing former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Montek Singh Ahluwalia as examples of past lateral entrants.
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Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal further criticised Rahul Gandhi, reminding him that Manmohan Singh was appointed as Finance Secretary in 1976 through the lateral entry route. “You started lateral entry. Prime Minister Modi made it methodical,” Meghwal remarked, highlighting the structured approach the current government has taken towards lateral recruitment.
What is Lateral Entry ?
Lateral entry into the bureaucracy involves recruiting individuals from outside the traditional government service cadres, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), to fill mid and senior-level positions in government departments. This approach is aimed at bringing in fresh perspectives and specialized expertise to improve governance and policy-making.