Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc have criticized the BJP government's decision to hire public servants through lateral entry. They claim that this move will harm the reservations for marginalized communities. However, the BJP has refuted these allegations, citing office memorandums that stress the importance of following reservation guidelines in lateral entries. Meanwhile, the Union Public Service Commission has advertised 45 posts to be filled through lateral entry, sparking a debate on employment and reservation policies in the Indian government.
Lateral Entry in Indian Government: A Debate on Employment and Reservation
Background
Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of experienced professionals directly into higher levels of government positions, rather than through the traditional promotion process. The Indian government has recently introduced lateral entry into various sectors, including civil services.
Controversy
The decision to implement lateral entry has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, who argue that it will undermine reservations for marginalized communities. They claim that experienced professionals are more likely to come from privileged backgrounds, giving them an unfair advantage over candidates from reserved categories.
However, the government has dismissed these allegations, stating that reservations will be strictly followed in lateral entry recruitments. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has also advertised 45 posts to be filled through lateral entry, emphasizing the importance of adhering to reservation guidelines.
Arguments in Favor of Lateral Entry
Arguments Against Lateral Entry
FAQs
1. What is lateral entry? Lateral entry is the recruitment of experienced professionals directly into higher levels of government positions.
2. Why is lateral entry being introduced? Lateral entry is intended to bring in skilled professionals, accelerate recruitment, and diversify the talent pool in government.
3. Will reservations be followed in lateral entry? Yes, the government has emphasized that reservations will be strictly followed in lateral entry recruitments.
4. How many posts are being filled through lateral entry? The UPSC has advertised 45 posts to be filled through lateral entry.
5. What are the concerns about lateral entry? Concerns include potential undermining of reservations, lack of transparency, and demoralization of existing employees.
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