New Delhi, August 19, 2024: The Indian government has abruptly withdrawn its recent advertisement for lateral entry into the bureaucracy, following widespread opposition criticism. The decision marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to lateral recruitment, which had sought to bring in professionals from outside the traditional civil services to fill senior government positions.
In a letter addressed to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chief, Union Minister Jitendra Singh conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to cancel the advertisement. The Prime Minister, according to the letter, believes that the lateral entry process must align with the principles of social justice, ensuring that it upholds the constitutional provisions of reservation.
Last week, the UPSC had issued an advertisement seeking “talented and motivated Indian nationals” for lateral recruitment to 45 senior positions across 24 ministries, including roles such as Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary. The move was intended to fill critical gaps in government expertise by bringing in specialists from various fields.
“Lateral entry into bureaucracy, which involves recruiting individuals from outside traditional government cadres, has been a contentious issue,” the minister’s letter stated. “While most of the major lateral entries before 2014 were made in an ad-hoc manner, our government’s efforts have been focused on making the process transparent, open, and institutionally driven.”
However, the government’s decision to withdraw the advertisement appears to have been influenced by the ongoing debate surrounding lateral entry. Critics, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, have condemned the practice, describing it as an “attack on Dalits” and a way to bypass the reservation system that ensures representation for marginalized communities in government services.
The concept of lateral entry was formally introduced during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, with the first vacancies announced in 2018. However, the idea itself dates back to the mid-2000s during the Congress-led UPA government. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), chaired by Congress leader Veerappa Moily, had initially proposed the concept as a means to address gaps in expertise within the bureaucracy.
In his letter, Jitendra Singh acknowledged that while the Moily panel and the Sixth Pay Commission had endorsed lateral entry, its implementation has historically lacked fairness and transparency. He emphasized that for Prime Minister Modi, reservation in public employment is a critical component of India’s social justice framework, aimed at addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity.
“Since many lateral entry positions have been treated as specialized and single-cadre posts, there has been no provision for reservation in these appointments,” Singh wrote. “This aspect needs to be reviewed and reformed to ensure that deserving candidates from marginalized communities receive their rightful representation in government services.”
The decision to cancel the advertisement is seen as a response to concerns that lateral entry could undermine the reservation system and enable the appointment of individuals without adhering to proper protocols. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have accused the Modi government of using lateral entry to recruit officers loyal to the BJP’s ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In defense of the lateral entry concept, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pointed out that the ARC, under Veerappa Moily, had recommended lateral recruitment to fill roles requiring specialized knowledge. Nonetheless, the government’s latest move indicates a reassessment of how lateral entry is implemented, particularly concerning its alignment with social justice and reservation policies.
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