Government cancels UPSC lateral entry ad following backlash from opposition & allies

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its recent advertisement for lateral entry into senior positions in central ministries. The move follows significant backlash from opposition parties and some National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies.

In his letter to the UPSC chairperson, Singh cited directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the need for lateral entry to adhere to the principles of equity and social justice enshrined in the Constitution, particularly concerning the provision of reservations.

The advertisement, issued last week, sought applications for 45 posts, including joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries, aimed at bringing in specialists from the private sector to strengthen central government departments.

The Congress party, which had fiercely criticized the advertisement, labeling it as an "attack on Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis," was quick to respond to the development. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "A letter from a Union Minister working under a non-biological PM to a Constitutional authority WITHOUT a date. What pathetic governance this is."