UPSC To Cancel Lateral Entry Advertisement Amid Backlash
On Tuesday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its recent advertisement for lateral entry into senior posts in central ministries. This request was made in line with directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Singh’s letter to the UPSC chairperson emphasized the need for lateral entry to align with the principles of equity and social justice outlined in the Constitution, particularly concerning reservation provisions.
He underscored that this move should be in harmony with the constitutional principles that protect the rights of Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis.
The advertisement, issued last week by the UPSC, sought applications for 45 positions, including joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries, through lateral entry.
This initiative aimed to bring specialists, including those from the private sector, into central government departments.
The Congress party swiftly condemned the advertisement, labeling it an “attack on Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis.” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the process, pointing out that the Union Minister’s letter to a Constitutional authority lacked a date, questioning the effectiveness of the governance involved.
The cancellation request reflects ongoing backlash from opposition parties and NDA allies, who have voiced concerns about the impact of the recruitment process on social equity and existing reservation norms.