The Indian government has asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its advertisement for lateral entry into bureaucracy, after facing intense opposition and pressure from allies, including Chirag Paswan. The move sparked a debate, with PM Narendra Modi emphasizing the need for aligning the process with social justice. However, the ruling BJP and Congress seem to have different opinions on the matter.
Lateral Entry in UPSC: Background and Developments
The Indian government's proposal for lateral entry into the bureaucracy through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has sparked significant debate and controversy. The UPSC is responsible for conducting civil service examinations to recruit candidates for various government positions.
Background:
The proposal, announced in 2023, aimed to bring in experienced professionals from private and public sectors into government service at the level of Joint Secretary or Director. The rationale behind the move was to infuse fresh ideas, expertise, and diversity into the bureaucracy.
Opposition and Withdrawal:
However, the proposal faced intense opposition from various quarters, including political allies of the government. Critics argued that it would undermine the principle of meritocracy and erode the established system of recruitment through competitive examinations. The government subsequently withdrew the advertisement for lateral entry.
Debate and Perspectives:
The decision to withdraw the proposal has reignited the debate over the need for lateral entry into the bureaucracy.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is lateral entry in UPSC? Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of experienced professionals into government service at a higher level, bypassing the traditional UPSC examination process.
2. Why was the lateral entry proposal withdrawn? The proposal was withdrawn due to intense opposition and pressure from political allies, as well as concerns about meritocracy and fairness.
3. What is the stance of major political parties on lateral entry? The ruling BJP and Congress appear to have different opinions on the matter, with the BJP being more supportive and the Congress expressing reservations.
4. What is the potential impact of lateral entry on the bureaucracy? Lateral entry could potentially introduce new skills, perspectives, and experiences into the bureaucracy. However, it could also raise concerns about accountability and the dilution of meritocracy.
5. Are there any cases of lateral entry in Indian bureaucracy in the past? Yes, there have been limited instances of lateral entry into the bureaucracy in the past. However, these cases were primarily for specialized positions or in exceptional circumstances.
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