The Narendra Modi government faced backlash from the opposition and its own allies regarding lateral appointments in the bureaucracy, which led to a swift change in direction. This move came after Union Minister Jitendra Singh directed the cancellation of an advertisement for 45 posts and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's statement on the government's commitment to social justice. The government's cautious approach is attributed to the successful opposition campaign during the Lok Sabha elections, where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi consistently criticized the government's actions towards reservations. With Assembly elections coming up, the BJP is wary of any further damage to its SC/ST and OBC vote bank, and has yet to clarify its stance on sub-categorization and the Supreme Court's observation on creamy layer exclusion.
Lateral Entry in Indian Bureaucracy: Controversy and Course Correction
Background
The Indian government has been implementing a "lateral entry" policy since 2020, aimed at bringing in talented professionals from outside the bureaucracy to fill senior positions. This policy has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the infusion of fresh ideas and expertise, while others expressing concerns about the potential erosion of meritocracy and reservation policies.
Recent Controversy
In April 2023, the Narendra Modi government faced backlash from the opposition and its own allies regarding lateral appointments in the bureaucracy. Union Minister Jitendra Singh directed the cancellation of an advertisement for 45 posts, while Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the government's commitment to social justice.
This move came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's sustained criticism of the government's actions towards reservations during the Lok Sabha elections. With Assembly elections approaching, the BJP is wary of any further damage to its SC/ST and OBC vote bank.
Government's Response
The government's cautious approach is attributed to the successful opposition campaign during the Lok Sabha elections. The BJP has yet to clarify its stance on sub-categorization and the Supreme Court's observation on creamy layer exclusion, indicating a desire to balance its commitments to merit and reservation.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is lateral entry in the bureaucracy?
Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of experienced professionals from outside the bureaucracy to fill senior positions.
2. What are the objectives of lateral entry?
To infuse fresh ideas, expertise, and diversity into the bureaucracy.
3. What are the concerns about lateral entry?
Erosion of meritocracy, undermining of reservation policies, and possible favouritism.
4. What is the government's current position on lateral entry?
The government has adopted a cautious approach, balancing its commitments to merit and reservation.
5. What are the ongoing debates related to lateral entry?
Sub-categorization of reserved categories, exclusion of creamy layer candidates, and the impact on the overall functioning of the bureaucracy.
Conclusion
The government's decision to reassess its lateral entry policy highlights the intricate balance it must strike between promoting merit and ensuring equity in the bureaucratic apparatus. The upcoming Assembly elections will likely further shape the debate and the government's approach to this contentious issue.
The Enforcement Directorate has carried out searches in Ahmedabad as part of an investigation into an alleged bank loan fraud case worth Rs 11 crore. The case was registered by CBI on the complaint of the Oriental Bank of Commerce and involves three companies allegedly involved in trading of gray cloth. The alleged proceeds of the crime in the case amount to Rs 10.95 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is celebrating his 75th birthday with a bang in Delhi today. Several programs and initiatives are being organized, including the launch of 75 special drones featuring his image and the introduction of new schemes for the people of Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be inaugurating 15 development projects, while 1,250 differently-abled individuals will receive artificial limbs at the Red Fort grounds.
The deadline for media outlets to sign the Pentagon's new press policy is fast approaching, with only One America News agreeing to the restrictive terms. Under the new policy, reporters must agree not to obtain or publish any material that is not authorized for the public, even if it is unclassified. This move has raised concerns about the potential hindering of press freedom and access to information.
The ruling BJP has announced its first list of 71 candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, causing major surprises with the denial of a ticket to Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav and a direct election for Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary. Meanwhile, political strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has declared its second list of candidates for 65 seats, but Kishor's name is not included. The election dates are set for November 6 and 11, with more than 7.4 crore electors expected to cast their votes.
Ashley Tellis, a senior official in the US State Department and an expert on India and South Asia, is under investigation for illegally removing classified documents from government facilities and having undisclosed meetings with Chinese representatives. He allegedly had contact with Chinese officials dating back to 2023 and maintained top-secret clearance and access to sensitive defense and diplomatic materials. The investigation is being led by the FBI and the Justice Department's National Security Division.
As Trump spoke to the Israeli parliament, members of the joint Hadash-Ta’al party disrupted the proceedings, holding up a sign that read "Genocide." They were swiftly removed by security personnel, while other members chanted in support of Trump. Amidst the chaos, Trump remarked on the efficiency of the protesters' removal. One of the expelled members later posted on social media, criticizing Netanyahu's government for committing "crimes against humanity" and advocating for the end of the occupation and recognition of Palestinian statehood.
During his address at the Knesset, US President Donald Trump was interrupted by two members of the Knesset, Ofer Cassif and Ayman Odeh, who were later escorted out by security. This comes after the release of 20 living hostages who had been in captivity for over two years, a conflict that Trump played a crucial role in ending. However, the President's speech was met with protests due to his statements about Gaza and the demand to release the Epstein files.
After two years of war and devastation in Gaza, Hamas has released all 20 of the last living hostages as part of a breakthrough ceasefire deal with Israel. The prisoners will be transported to the West Bank and Gaza Strip while US President Donald Trump is in the region to discuss postwar plans with other leaders. While questions still remain about the future, this marks a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict and providing much-needed relief to the famine-stricken Gaza.
A joint inquiry committee has submitted recommendations for disciplinary action against the Vice Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University, Dr Mehnaz Khakwani, and other officials involved in an investigation into the infection of 31 dialysis patients with HIV at Nishtar Hospital. These recommendations were made under the PEDA Act following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The committee found that Dr Khakwani failed to implement and monitor SOPs, leading to the outbreak, and has recommended her removal and one-year suspension from public service.
Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family are facing charges of corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating in the IRCTC 'scam' case. Despite pleading 'not guilty' in the Delhi court, they have been accused of favouring a private company in awarding contracts for two IRCTC hotels in exchange for prime land in Patna. The CBI filed a charge sheet against Prasad, his wife Rabri, and their son Tejashwi in 2018.