Opposition and BJP Clash Over Lateral Entry Recruitment Concerns

The opposition parties criticised the move to hire public servants through lateral entry, claiming it would take away reservations from SCs, STs, and OBCs. The BJP countered, stating that the NDA government was bringing transparency to this recruitment method initiated by the Congress-led UPA.

Opposition's Allegations

Congress, SP, and BSP accused the BJP of using lateral entry to appoint its ideological allies to high posts. Rahul Gandhi alleged that privatisation of the IAS was Modi's way of ending reservations. Akhilesh Yadav warned of an agitation starting October 2.

BJP's Response

The BJP cited office memorandums, including one from the Union Home Ministry in 2020, emphasising adherence to reservation guidelines in lateral entries. They asked Gandhi to stop lying. The UPSC recently advertised 45 posts to be filled through lateral entry on a contract basis.

Criticism from Congress Leaders

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that the BJP was deliberately making such recruitments to keep SC, ST, and OBC categories away from reservations. Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of attacking the Constitution by recruiting public servants through RSS instead of UPSC.

Mayawati's Stand

BSP chief Mayawati called the decision illegal and unconstitutional, stating that employees on lower posts would be deprived of promotion benefits. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Congress' criticism showed hypocrisy.

Historical Context

Vaishnaw noted that the UPA government developed the concept of lateral entry. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), chaired by Veerappa Moily in 2005, recommended recruiting experts for specialised roles. The NDA government created a transparent method to implement this recommendation.

Official Memorandums

BJP IT department head Amit Malviya said Gandhi should stop lying as lateral recruitments were done without any process during the UPA rule. He cited official memorandums from DoPT in 2016 and 2019, which stipulated that lateral recruitments must follow reservation policies.

Malviya also referred to a 2020 memorandum from the Union Home Ministry emphasising strict adherence to reservation guidelines in lateral entries. He asserted that all legal provisions and reservation rules applicable to UPSC-selected officers also apply to lateral entries.

Lateral Entry Scheme Introduction

The lateral entry scheme was formally introduced during Prime Minister Modi's tenure to enhance efficiency in India's administrative machinery. In 2018, vacancies for senior positions like joint secretaries and directors were announced for professionals from both private and public sectors.

The selection process focused on candidates' qualifications, experience, and suitability for strategic positions. This initiative was influenced by the recommendations of the Second ARC, which laid the groundwork for lateral entry.

The debate over lateral entry continues with both sides presenting their arguments. The opposition remains critical while the BJP defends its actions as transparent and necessary for governance improvement.