Centre’s U-turn on lateral entry, asks UPSC to cancel ads
On Tuesday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh called on the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its recent advertisement for lateral entry into senior positions within central ministries. This request follows significant backlash from opposition parties and allies within the NDA coalition.
In a letter addressed to UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan, Singh cited directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the basis for his appeal. The advertisement, which sought candidates for high-level roles through lateral entry, has faced criticism for potentially undermining the principles of equity and social justice as outlined in the Constitution, particularly regarding reservation provisions.
Singh emphasized that the move towards lateral entry needs to be carefully reconsidered to ensure it aligns with constitutional principles and reservation policies. The Minister’s request highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the recruitment process for top government positions and reflects broader concerns about fairness and representation in public service appointments.
Singh said that for PM Modi, reservations in public employment were “a cornerstone of our social justice framework aimed at addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity. Since these positions have been treated as specialized and designated as single-cadre posts, there has been no provision for reservation in these appointments.”
The UPSC’s announcement created a political stir, with at least two NDA partners — the Janata Dal (United) and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) — joining the opposition ranks to oppose the move.
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Compared to the BJP leadership, Kamala Harris sounds like a great mind. And that is saying something, mind you.
One step forward, THREE steps backward. BJP has lost its direction & confused. Worst leadership and lacks moral strength to do anything correct.