lateral entry

Rahul Gandhi of Congress has found a surprising ally in Union Minister Chirag Paswan, who has become the first NDA partner to speak out against the lateral entry system in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Paswan echoed Gandhi's concerns, emphasizing that the lack of reservation in these appointments could disadvantage marginalized communities. He has pledged to raise this issue with the central government, stating that his party firmly opposes such measures. “Reservation must be upheld in all government appointments, without exception,” Paswan stated, according to the Press Trust of India. “There is no reservation in the private sector, and if it is also omitted in government roles, it’s a serious concern. This issue came to my attention on Sunday, and it is troubling.” As the leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Paswan highlighted that his position within the government gives him a platform to address this issue, and he intends to do so. Earlier this month, the UPSC announced openings for 45 positions—10 for joint secretaries and 35 for directors/deputy secretaries—through lateral entry on a contract basis. also read : UPSC Announces 45 Lateral Entry Vacancies for Joint Secretary and Director-Level Positions The Congress party has strongly criticized this move, accusing the government of attempting to sideline disadvantaged communities by filling these roles with individuals aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP’s ideological base. Parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have echoed these concerns, alleging that the BJP is using this process to appoint its supporters to high-ranking positions through non-transparent means. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his concerns, claiming that while the UPA government introduced lateral entry to bring in specific experts, the NDA government is now using it to "deprive Dalits, tribals, and backward classes of their rights." “Posts meant for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS will now go to RSS members. This is the BJP's strategy to undermine the Constitution by eroding reservation,” Kharge alleged. In response, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defended the lateral entry system, accusing the Congress of hypocrisy. He pointed out in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that it was the UPA government that originally introduced the concept of lateral entry.