New Delhi, Aug 20 (FN Agency) The Central government on Tuesday asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to cancel the lateral entry advertisement issued on August 17 as per the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Minister Jitendra Singh in a letter to UPSC Chairman Preeti Sudan said that “While most of the major lateral entries before 2014 were made in an ad-hoc manner, including cases of alleged favouritism, efforts of our government have been to make the process institutionally driven, transparent and open.”
“The Prime Minister is of the firm belief that the process of lateral entry must be aligned with the principles of equity and social justice enshrined in our Constitution, particularly concerning the provisions of reservation,” he added. Singh Said for the Prime Minister, ‘reservation in public employment is a cornerstone of our social justice framework, aimed at addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity’. The move comes a day after NDA ally and Union minister Chirag Paswan, voiced concern over making any appointments in government posts without providing reservation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged it was an “attack” on the Dalits, OBCs and adivasis. The UPSC last Saturday advertised for 45 posts of 10 joint secretaries and 35 of directors/deputy secretaries, to be filled through the lateral entry mode on a contract basis. This is aimed at appointing specialists including those from the private sector in government departments.