The recent controversy surrounding lateral entry into the Indian civil services has sparked a debate on the need for specialized expertise versus the adherence to reservation policies. Retired IAS officer Ashok Vardhan Shetty and former CEO of Microfinance Institutions Network Harsh Shrivastava discuss the pros and cons of lateral entry, its potential impact on the civil service, and the implications of bypassing reservation norms.
The Reservation Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has called for a Bharat Bandh ( nationwide shutdown) on August 21st to protest the Supreme Court’s ruling on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). The decision, which allows states to create sub-categories within SC/ST groups for reservation benefits, has sparked widespread controversy and protests. Police across India are on high alert to maintain law and order during the bandh.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP government of undermining the Constitution with its lateral entry policy, claiming it will disadvantage Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis. He alleges that the policy, which allows recruitment of experienced professionals into government positions, is a ploy to dismantle the reservation system and is part of a larger plan to dismantle the Constitution. The BJP has countered these claims, arguing that lateral entry is a transparent process and that the Congress itself implemented similar policies during its time in power.
The popularity of camping is soaring, with over 84 million Americans choosing to sleep under the stars in 2023. This surge has led to a major challenge: securing campground reservations. The Dyrt’s 2024 Camping Report reveals that nearly half of campers struggled to book campsites, prompting the company to compile a list of the top 10 hardest-to-book campgrounds in the US. These highly coveted spots, including those within National Park Services sites, offer a blend of natural beauty, proximity to attractions, and essential amenities, making them prime destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the BJP government is surreptitiously eliminating reservations for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes through rampant privatization and reduction in government jobs. Gandhi asserts that Modi’s electoral campaign mantra of removing reservations signifies the end of government employment and affirmative action programs. Prime Minister Modi, addressing a rally in Gujarat, retaliated by labeling the Congress party as a ‘disciple’ of Pakistan and claiming that Pakistani leaders are rooting for Congress’s success in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Modi also dared Congress to provide a written commitment that it will not alter the Constitution to introduce religion-based reservations.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has reiterated the organization’s support for reservations, stating that it has been their position from the beginning. Bhagwat’s comments come amidst a recent political debate between the BJP and Congress over reservations. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had previously alleged that the BJP aimed to amend the constitution and eliminate reservations under the influence of the RSS. However, Bhagwat refuted these allegations, emphasizing that the RSS has always advocated for reservations as per the constitution. He also highlighted that discrimination persists in society, justifying the need for continued reservation policies.
Telangana Chief Minister and TPCC President A Revanth Reddy has raised concerns about the BJP’s alleged plan to eliminate reservations for marginalized communities, aligning with the RSS agenda. He urged voters to be cautious and recognize that supporting the BJP could jeopardize their own interests. In contrast, he emphasized the Congress’s commitment to not only preserve but also increase OBC reservations based on population data. This move is seen as a direct response to Rahul Gandhi’s announcement to conduct a population census for OBCs. The Indian National Congress (INC) and AICC General Secretary Deepa Das Munshi emphasized the need to prioritize the preservation of democracy and the constitution. Reddy’s statements were made during the release of a chargesheet against the BJP government at the TPCC headquarters, Gandhi Bhavan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his attack on the Congress party over their proposed wealth redistribution plan, accusing them of targeting the earnings and assets of ordinary Indians. He also alleged that Congress was promoting faith-based reservations, which he equated with the ideology of the Muslim League and a violation of the Constitution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sharply criticized the Congress party for allegedly promising reservations based on religion, a move that he claims violates the Indian Constitution. Addressing an election rally in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Modi accused Congress of stabbing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the back by making such a promise. He also alleged that Congress intends to confiscate people’s wealth and scrutinize their personal finances.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the Congress party for promising reservations based on religion, claiming that it violates the Indian Constitution. Speaking at an election rally in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, Modi accused Congress of attempting to deprive people of their wealth and exploiting religious sentiments for political gain.
