Centre withdraws lateral entry ad on PM Modi’s directions

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday wrote to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairman, cancelling the government’s advertisement for lateral entry into civil services.

Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the DoPT to withdraw the advertisement inviting people to apply for 45 posts in the central government via the lateral entry route. The decision had come under criticism from both the opposition and NDA allies like JD(U) and LJP. “PM Modi is of the firm belief that the process of lateral entry must be aligned with the principles of equity and social justice enshrined in the Constitution, particularly concerning the provisions of reservation,” stated the Union Minister in his letter.

Singh said for the PM, reservation in public employment is a cornerstone of our social justice framework, aimed at addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity. He said that it’s important that the constitutional mandate towards social justice is upheld so that deserving candidates from marginalised communities get their rightful representation in government services.