New Delhi: Following controversy over the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) advertisement for filling positions through lateral entry, the central government has requested the cancellation of the decision. The UPSC had advertised 45 positions to be filled through lateral entry into senior government roles, and the government is asking UPSC to revoke this notification.
In a letter to the UPSC Chairperson, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated, “It is crucial that qualified candidates from marginalized communities receive appropriate representation in government services. Adherence to constitutional mandates for social justice is essential.”
Singh noted in the letter that since these positions are considered specialized and are appointed as single-cadre roles, there is no provision for reservation in these appointments. He added that, given the Prime Minister’s emphasis on ensuring social justice, it is necessary to review and amend this aspect.
The lateral entry positions were for roles such as Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary across 24 central ministries. UPSC published the advertisement for these roles on August 17. The opposition and BJP’s major allies, JD(U) and LJP had opposed the move, leading to the central government’s action to cancel the notification.
