India Cancels Lateral Entry Ads, Minister Jitendra Singh Writes To Chairman UPSC

The Indian government has cancelled the recent UPSC advertisement for lateral entry recruitment across various Central Government levels, following intervention by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for multiple ministries including Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and the Prime Minister's Office.

In a letter addressed to the UPSC Chairman, Dr Singh highlighted the government's commitment to upholding the constitutional mandate towards social justice. He noted that the lateral entry process as it had been implemented previously, lacked provisions for reservation for candidates from marginalised communities. His argument was at odds with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in the Constitution.

"It is important that the constitutional mandate towards social justice is upheld so that deserving candidates from marginalised communities get their rightful representation in these appointments," the minister wrote in the letter.

The letter further emphasised that the process of lateral entry recruitment had witnessed several high-profile cases in the past where candidates were appointed without following due procedures. 

Dr Singh called for the UPSC to cancel the advertisement and instead focus on ensuring that the process of lateral entry is "institutionally driven, transparent and open."