On Tuesday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh sent a letter to the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), officially withdrawing the government’s advertisement for lateral entry into civil services.
Singh explained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had instructed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to retract the ad inviting applications for 45 central government positions via lateral entry. This decision came amid criticism from both opposition parties and NDA allies, including the JD(U) and LJP.
In his letter, Singh emphasized that Prime Minister Modi believes that lateral entry processes should adhere to constitutional principles of equity and social justice, particularly regarding reservation provisions. Modi is committed to ensuring that public employment practices address historical injustices and promote inclusivity.
Singh highlighted the need for adherence to the constitutional mandate for social justice, ensuring that candidates from marginalized communities are fairly represented in government roles. He noted that the specialized nature of these positions, previously classified as single-cadre posts, lacked reservation provisions. Singh urged the UPSC to cancel the advertisement issued on August 17, 2024, in line with the Prime Minister’s emphasis on social justice.
What is Lateral Entry?
Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of individuals from outside the traditional government service cadre to fill mid and senior-level positions within the central government. This process was recommended in 2017 by NITI Aayog and the Sectoral Group of Secretaries on Governance, aiming to bring in external expertise into the central secretariat. Lateral entry was formally introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, with the first vacancies announced in 2018. These lateral entrants are given contracts initially for three years, extendable up to five years.
Reactions from Allies and Opposition
BJP ally and Union Minister Chirag Paswan expressed concerns about appointing individuals to government posts without providing reservation. Paswan, who leads the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), indicated he would raise the issue with the Centre.
The JD(U), led by Nitish Kumar, voiced serious concerns over the order, emphasizing the need for quotas in government positions. The party, which follows the ideology of Ram Manohar Lohia, criticized the government’s decision, questioning the merit-based approach given the historical social disadvantages faced by certain communities.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticized the decision, alleging it was an attack on Dalits, OBCs, and adivasis, and accused the BJP of undermining reservation policies.
