In a significant move, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced on Tuesday that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has withdrawn its advertisement inviting applications for lateral entry into the central government. This decision follows a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who instructed the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to cancel the advertisement, which had called for applications for 45 positions through the lateral entry route.
The withdrawal of the advertisement has sparked considerable attention, as the lateral entry process has been both a hallmark of the Modi administration and a subject of intense debate. The lateral entry system, designed to recruit professionals from outside the traditional government service cadre into mid and senior-level positions, was first recommended in 2017 by NITI Aayog and the Sectoral Group of Secretaries on Governance. It was formally introduced during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, with the first vacancies being announced in 2018.
The initiative aimed to infuse fresh talent and specialized expertise into the higher echelons of the central government, offering a departure from the long-standing practice of appointing career bureaucrats from the All India Services and Central Civil Services. Those selected through this process, known as lateral entrants, were initially offered contracts for three years, with the possibility of extension up to five years. This approach was seen as a way to bring new perspectives and skills to government administration, potentially enhancing efficiency and innovation.
However, the lateral entry scheme has faced criticism from various quarters. Opposition parties have consistently voiced concerns about the impact of lateral entry on the traditional bureaucratic system, arguing that it could undermine the established career progression of civil servants. Moreover, some allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including the Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), also expressed reservations, further complicating the government’s stance on the issue.
The decision to withdraw the advertisement reflects the sensitivity of the issue and the need for a more consensual approach. It remains to be seen whether this marks a pause or a pivot in the government’s lateral entry strategy. As the debate continues, the Modi administration will likely weigh the benefits of bringing in external talent against the concerns raised by stakeholders about the potential disruptions to the civil service framework.
