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.
Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master, Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain and prominent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam have all been nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Nikam is best known for his role as the special public prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, and his nomination has sparked debate among political circles. These four individuals join a growing list of prominent personalities appointed to the upper house of the Indian Parliament.
The proscribed rebel group ULFA-I has claimed that the Indian Army carried out a series of drone and missile attacks on their mobile camps along the Myanmar border. The attacks allegedly resulted in the death of several leaders, including the 'chairman' and 'brigadier' of the outfit, and injured many others. However, the Indian Army has denied any knowledge of such an operation. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also denied involvement of the state police and promised clarity on the situation later in the day.
President Droupadi Murmu has exercised her power under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution to nominate four individuals to the Rajya Sabha, including prominent lawyer Ujjwal Nikam and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. The appointments were made to fill vacancies created by the retirement of previously nominated members. This move marks the President's recognition of individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. Among the nominees are Ujjwal Nikam, known for his role as Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, and Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who has held several key diplomatic assignments.
President Droupadi Murmu has nominated veteran public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam to the Rajya Sabha, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the Indian judicial system. With a career spanning over four decades, Nikam has established a respectable reputation for prosecuting high-profile criminal cases, particularly those involving terrorism and national security. His nomination is seen as a move to bring legal expertise and prosecutorial experience to the legislative domain, and Nikam is expected to contribute significantly to legal reforms and national security discussions in Parliament.
Former Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of the Indian Parliament. Shringla, who has a distinguished career as a diplomat and served as India's foreign secretary, brings his unique perspectives to the Upper House, while Jain, who has been recognized for her work in history, education, and literature, will add valuable insights to parliamentary proceedings. Both nominees have been congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their nomination, highlighting their expertise and contributions to their respective fields.
The Rajya Sabha is set to witness a major shake-up in 2026 with 75 seats up for election, including those of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, and two key ministers from Uttar Pradesh. Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh will also see significant changes with leaders like Sharad Pawar, Shibu Soren, and Sana Satish Babu retiring. The upcoming elections will have a significant impact on the composition of the Upper House.
Lord Neil Kinnock, former leader of the Labour Party, has suggested imposing a 2% tax on assets worth more than £10 million. This move could potentially provide the government with an estimated £10-11 billion in additional revenue. However, a No10 source has distanced the government from the idea, stating that Lord Kinnock was expressing his personal views. The call for a wealth tax comes amidst pressure on the Chancellor to balance the budget after U-turns on cuts to disability benefits and winter fuel payments.
The Indian President has made four nominations to the Rajya Sabha under Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution to fill vacancies left by retired members. These nominations include well-known Bharatiya Janata Party leader and advocate Ujjwal Nikam, who previously served as a special public prosecutor in high-profile cases. These fresh appointments are crucial for the Rajya Sabha to have diverse expertise and perspectives from individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in fields such as literature, science, art, and social service.
Amid the chaos surrounding the passage of the Republican tax bill, the fate of Mason General Hospital in Washington state hung in the balance. Providers are now bracing for the long-term effects of the "One Big Beautiful" bill, which could lead to millions of Americans losing their health insurance by 2034. With Washington expected to be among the hardest hit, experts warn of potential service cutbacks, layoffs, and even closure of hospitals. The devastating impacts will not only affect Medicaid beneficiaries, but also all Washingtonians' access to healthcare.
Karnataka has passed a controversial bill that seeks to curb the spread of fake news on social media, empowering a committee headed by the state Information & Broadcasting Minister to identify and penalize offenders. Social media users found guilty of posting "fake news" could face up to seven years in prison and a hefty fine of Rs 10 lakh. However, critics argue that the bill's vague and broad definitions of fake news and misinformation could lead to the suppression of free speech and artistic expression. This comes after a similar provision in the amended IT Rules 2021 was struck down by the Bombay High Court for lacking judicial oversight, raising concerns about government overreach.