Flak: Centre halts UPSC's recruitment through lateral entry

New Delhi: The Union Government on Tuesday asked the UPSC to cancel the latter's move to fill up 45 posts through lateral entry. Earlier, the move had triggered a large political controversy as many, including the ruling BJP-led NDA government’s allies, questioned it, The Indian Express reported.

Minister for Department of Personnel and Training Jitendra Singh said in a letter to UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan that it is important that the constitutional mandate towards social justice is upheld so that deserving candidates from marginalized communities get their rightful representation in government services.

The letter also said that these positions have been treated as specialized and designated as single-cadre posts, and there have been no provisions for reservation in these appointments.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of Information and Broadcast Ashwini Vaishnaw claimed on X, “Hon’ble PM @narendramodi Ji has always firmly believed in social justice. His programmes have advanced the welfare of the weakest sections of our society. The decision to align lateral entry with principles of reservation shows PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s commitment to social justice.”

Jitendra Singh’s letter further read, “… this aspect needs to be reviewed and reformed in the context of the Prime Minister’s focus on ensuring social Justice”. “Hence, I urge the UPSC to cancel the advertisement for lateral entry recruitment issued on 17.8.2024. This step would be a significant advance in the pursuit of social justice and empowerment.”

It was on August 17 that the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) issued an advertisement which sought applications for “talented and motivated Indian nationals for Lateral Recruitment” to the posts of joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary in 24 central ministries.