The Indian government’s decision to scrap a lateral entry recruitment program for senior government positions has sparked celebration within the INDIA bloc, a coalition of opposition parties. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had advertised 45 positions to be filled through lateral entry, a process that allows professionals from outside the civil service to be appointed to key roles. However, the move faced significant opposition from the INDIA bloc, which argued that it could undermine reservation policies meant to ensure representation for disadvantaged communities.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, a leader of the DMK and a key figure in the INDIA bloc, hailed the government’s decision as a victory for social justice. He asserted on social media that the government withdrew the advertisement after strong opposition from the coalition. Stalin also emphasized the need for continued vigilance, warning that the BJP-led government might attempt to weaken reservation policies through other means. He advocated for breaking the 50% ceiling on reservations and conducting a nationwide caste census to safeguard the rights of marginalized communities.
Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition Congress party, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the INDIA bloc would protect the Indian constitution and its reservation system at all costs. He condemned the BJP’s lateral entry initiative as a conspiracy and stressed the importance of a caste census to ensure social justice.
The decision to scrap the lateral entry program has been met with mixed reactions. While the INDIA bloc celebrated it as a victory, some BJP allies expressed their support for the government’s decision. Union Minister Chirag Paswan, whose Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is a BJP ally, welcomed the move, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for listening to public concerns. Paswan was one of the BJP allies who opposed the lateral entry program, along with the Janata Dal-United.
The lateral entry scheme, which aimed to recruit officials across 24 ministries, including 10 joint secretary and 35 director/deputy secretary posts, was to be implemented on a contract basis. The UPSC had set a deadline of September 17 for filling these positions. The government’s decision to withdraw the program highlights the ongoing debate about the role of lateral entry in Indian bureaucracy and its potential implications for social justice and representation.
