UPSC Cancels Lateral Entry Recruitment Ads Amid Backlash

The Modi government has canceled advertisements for lateral entry into the bureaucracy after facing opposition from political allies and criticism from other parties. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had issued ads on August 17, 2024, for 45 posts in various central government departments. These positions were meant for lateral recruitment, a process that allows experts from outside the government to join the bureaucracy at senior levels.

However, this move faced immediate backlash, particularly from NDA allies like the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and Janata Dal (United), who argued against the process. Union Minister Jitendra Singh wrote to UPSC Chairman Preeti Sudan, urging the cancellation of the ads. He highlighted that the lateral entry posts did not include reservations for marginalized communities, which could impact social justice.

Opposition leaders like Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the government’s move. They argued that lateral entry bypasses the reservation system, potentially excluding candidates from SC, ST, and OBC communities.

Amid rising political tensions and with upcoming Assembly elections in four states, the government decided to withdraw the advertisements. The decision reflects the growing concern about the political consequences of continuing with the lateral entry process at this time.

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