Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The central government has requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its recent advertisement for lateral entry into senior bureaucratic positions, following significant opposition and concerns raised by Minister Chirag Paswan regarding the reservation rights of SC/ST and OBC communities. The decision marks a notable reversal by the government, which had initially promoted the move as a way to bring in “talented and motivated Indian nationals” into key government roles.
The now-withdrawn UPSC advertisement had called for lateral recruitment into 45 senior positions across 24 ministries, including roles such as Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary. This initiative quickly attracted criticism, particularly from the Opposition, and led to apprehensions among those advocating for the rights of disadvantaged communities.
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan voiced strong objections to the lateral entry scheme, emphasizing the need for reservation provisions in all government appointments. Paswan argued that the absence of reservation in private sector jobs already puts marginalized communities at a disadvantage, and similar exclusion in government positions would further erode their rights.
In a press conference held in Patna, Bihar, Paswan detailed his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his office, where he presented documents underscoring the importance of adhering to reservation rules in all government appointments. Expressing his gratitude, Paswan stated, “I am happy that my Prime Minister Modiji understood the concerns of SC/ST and backward people. My party LJP (Ram Vilas) and I thank PM Modi.”
The lateral entry proposal had also been met with sharp criticism from the Congress party and other opposition groups, who accused the BJP of attempting to bypass established reservation norms. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the move as a “ploy” to deny jobs to Dalits, tribals, and backward classes, instead favoring individuals aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP’s ideological base.
Despite the pushback, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defended the lateral entry system, pointing out that the concept was first introduced during the UPA government’s tenure. Vaishnaw accused the Congress of hypocrisy, noting that the very idea of lateral entry had its origins under their administration.
This episode highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding reservation policies in India and the challenges the government faces in balancing merit-based recruitment with the protection of rights for historically marginalized communities.
