Union Minister Jitendra Singh has requested UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan to withdraw the advertisement for lateral entry to 45 government posts, citing the need for "rightful representation" of marginalized communities in the government services. This decision comes after objections raised by the Opposition and key NDA allies JD(U) and LJP. Despite the government's reliance on a 1978 instruction to conclude that lateral entry does not require reservation for SC/ST/OBC candidates, the issue of reservation has been sidelined, causing concerns about fair representation for these communities.
Lateral Entry in UPSC: Controversies and Concerns
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recently announced a plan to hire 45 candidates for senior positions in the government through a lateral entry scheme. However, the announcement has sparked controversy, leading Union Minister Jitendra Singh to request the UPSC to withdraw the advertisement.
Background
The lateral entry scheme was introduced by the Modi government in 2020 as a way to bring experienced professionals from the private sector into the government. The scheme allows for direct recruitment at the level of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary.
Controversy
The controversy surrounding the lateral entry scheme stems from concerns that it could undermine the principle of reservation. The UPSC initially claimed that reservation would not apply to lateral entry posts, based on a 1978 instruction. However, this claim was challenged by opposition parties and NDA allies JD(U) and LJP, who argued that reservation should be mandatory for all government posts.
Minister's Request
Faced with mounting pressure, Union Minister Jitendra Singh wrote to UPSC Chairperson Preeti Sudan asking her to withdraw the advertisement. He argued that the need for "rightful representation" of marginalized communities in the government services outweighed the benefits of lateral entry.
FAQs
1. What is lateral entry?
Lateral entry is a method of hiring experienced professionals from the private sector into the government at senior levels.
2. Why has lateral entry caused controversy?
Concerns have been raised that lateral entry could undermine the principle of reservation, which ensures representation for marginalized communities in government services.
3. What is the government's position on reservation in lateral entry?
The government initially claimed that reservation would not apply to lateral entry posts, based on a 1978 instruction. However, this claim has been challenged by opposition parties and NDA allies.
4. What has Union Minister Jitendra Singh requested?
Union Minister Jitendra Singh has requested the UPSC to withdraw the advertisement for lateral entry, citing the need for "rightful representation" of marginalized communities.
5. What is the future of lateral entry in the UPSC?
The UPSC is expected to reconsider the issue of reservation in light of the concerns raised. The future of lateral entry in the UPSC remains uncertain.
Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday to criticize Fox News for cutting him off during a 10-minute discussion about Kamala Harris' DNC speech. Trump claimed that it was the network who called him, not the other way around, and that they interrupted him to air Greg Gutfeld's late-night show instead. This outburst comes as Harris leads Trump in polls and after reports of Trump spending most of August golfing instead of focusing on his campaign.
Indian wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat is making her first visit to the village of Khera Bakhta in Julana since receiving her election ticket. This important visit will help strengthen her ties with local residents and garner support for her political campaign. Stay updated with ABP News for the latest developments in this political race.
In the wake of fresh violence in Manipur's Jiribam district, the state's Chief Minister led a meeting of ruling party MLAs to discuss ways to tackle the ongoing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups. The security agencies have recovered large caches of weapons, which include sniper rifles and rocket bombs, indicating the intensification of the conflict. Despite previous efforts to restore normalcy, violence continues to erupt in ethnically-diverse Jiribam, displacing thousands and resulting in casualties. The government is now pressuring the Centre to take appropriate action to bring the militants under control.
The ongoing conflict between Kuki militants and security agencies in Manipur has taken a dangerous turn as the Kukis have sought foreign help in their demand for a separate state. According to sources, the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council has approached the UN, UK and Israel with their demands, citing their right to self governance under the Indian Constitution and various international agreements. The Kukis claim to be lost Jew tribes who were brought to India for tourism but later held captive by the country.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha will be visiting Sambalpur to launch the CM Kisan Yojana on September 8, coinciding with the Nuakhai festival. This new scheme will replace the existing KALIA scheme and aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, who will receive Rs 4000 annually in two phases. Chief Minister Majhi will also attend 'Nuakhai Bhetghat' programmes and offer prayers at Maa Samaleswari temple during his visit. Stay updated by subscribing to the Odisha Breaking News channel.
Kamala Harris has brought new excitement to the U.S. presidential race, particularly among Democrats of Asian descent and people of color. The party's convention in Chicago, originally intended to support Joe Biden's re-election, has become a platform for showcasing Harris' strengths and diversity within the Democratic party. This is in stark contrast to Trump's Republican party, which lacks ethnic diversity and has officially nominated him as their candidate for the third consecutive time.
The Manipur government has declared an indefinite curfew in Jiribam district after five people were killed in ethnic violence. The order, made under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibits gatherings and restricts movement, with exceptions for essential services and emergency situations. The superintendent of police will be overseeing the enforcement of the curfew, which will remain in effect until further notice. The regional news portal Northeast Now provides ongoing coverage of the potentially volatile situation.
After the head of a Hindu monastic order suggested changing the name of the ritual bath at the Kumbh Mela, Urdu speakers have denounced the statement, asserting that Urdu is also an indigenous Indian language. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an organization of Hindu monastic orders, is planning to discuss the issue and make a decision. Meanwhile, members of the Urdu Markaz Mumbai group have condemned the call to drop the old term, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Urdu to India. The Kumbh Mela, a mass gathering held every 12 years, is a highly revered Hindu event and the next one is scheduled for 2025.
The Congress party has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, with Vinesh Phogat being nominated as the candidate for the Julana constituency. The JJP has decided to field Amarjit Dhanda, the current MLA, again as their candidate. However, Congress is hopeful that Phogat's popularity and recent retirement from wrestling will garner sympathy votes and help them win the seat.
In a major scandal shaking up the Indian bureaucracy, IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been discharged from service by the UPSC for cheating and taking advantage of OBC and disability quota benefits. This comes after a month of her selection being cancelled and her being barred from future exams. The controversy has brought to light loopholes in the selection process and has resulted in the scrutiny of over 15,000 candidates.