Govt Asks UPSC To Withdraw Lateral Entry Recruitment Advertisement Amid Controversy

Dr. Jitendra Singh has urged the UPSC to cancel its August 17 advertisement for lateral entry posts.4o mini

Centre asks UPSC chairperson to cancel latest advertisement.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

In the midst of growing controversy surrounding lateral entry appointments, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Personnel and Training, has written a letter to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), urging it to cancel the advertisement for lateral entry recruitment issued on August 17, 2024.

Dr. Singh’s letter to the UPSC Chairman sheds light on the government's stance. The UPSC had recently issued an advertisement for various lateral entry posts within the Central Government, prompting a backlash. Dr. Singh, after discussions with Prime Minister Modi, emphasised the need for adherence to constitutional principles.

"Lateral entry was endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in 2005, and the Sixth Pay Commission in 2013 also supported this direction. However, the process has seen several high-profile cases where lateral entrants were appointed without following reservation norms," Dr Jitendra Singh said in a letter to the UPSC Chairman.

He highlighted that in previous governments, significant posts, including the Secretary roles and leadership positions in UIDAI, were filled through lateral entry without reservation considerations. Dr. Singh referred to past practices as ad-hoc and lacking transparency, which, according to him, led to allegations of favoritism.

The letter underscores Prime Minister Modi’s belief that lateral entry processes must align with the principles of equity and social justice enshrined in the Constitution. Dr. Singh said, “For the Hon'ble Prime Minister, reservation in public employment is a cornerstone of our social justice framework, aimed at addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity.”

Dr. Singh stressed the importance of upholding the constitutional mandate towards social justice, ensuring that deserving candidates from marginalized communities receive their rightful representation. He pointed out that the recent UPSC advertisement did not provide for reservation in these specialized, single-cadre posts. 

He concluded his letter with a call for action: “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.”