Kumar Bahukhandi
UPSC: The central government on Tuesday August 20 directed the UPSC to withdraw the latest advertisement related to ‘lateral entry’ in the bureaucracy amid controversy. Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh wrote a letter to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Chairman Preeti Sudan asking her to cancel the advertisement ‘so that the weaker sections can get their due representation in government services.’
The UPSC had issued a notification on August 17 for the recruitment of 45 joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries through ‘lateral entry’. Lateral entry is called the appointment of various experts (including experts from private sectors) in government departments. The decision was strongly criticised by opposition parties. They claim that this has violated the reservation rights of Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Union Minister of State for Personnel Singh said in his letter that for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reservation in public employment is ‘the cornerstone of our social justice framework which aims to redress historical injustice and promote inclusiveness.’ Singh said, ‘Since these posts have been designated as single-cadre posts, considering them to be special, there is no provision for reservation in these appointments. Keeping in mind the vision of the Prime Minister to ensure social justice, this move needs to be reviewed and rectified.’
He said, ‘I urge UPSC to cancel the lateral entry recruitment advertisement issued on 17 August 2024.’ Singh said that this step would be a significant progress towards social justice and empowerment. Later, ANI, quoting UPSC sources, informed about the withdrawal of the advertisement.
