• Source:JND
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Lateral Entry Row: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday wrote to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) seeking withdrawal of the lateral entry advertisement. Amid massive outcry over no reservation in the lateral entry process, the Minister of State for Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes that reservation in public jobs is a cornerstone of social justice framework. 

"The Prime Minister is of the firm belief that the process of lateral entry must be aligned with the principles of equity and social justice enshrined in our Constitution, particularly concerning the provisions of reservation," he wrote. 

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Urging the UPSC to stop the lateral recruitment process, Singh cited PM Modi's stance on reservation in public employment. The prime minister believes that reservation is aimed at "addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusivity". 

On Saturday, August 17, the UPSC released an advertisement seeking applications for the posts of Joint Secretary, Director and Deputy Secretary in 24 ministries of the Union government. The advertisement asked "talented and motivated Indian nationals" to apply for the lateral recruitment process.

MoS Jitendra Singh also raised the issue of high-profile cases of lateral entrants. He stated that important posts were given to lateral entrants under earlier governments without following any process of reservations. 

"While most of the major lateral entries before 2014 were made in an ad-hoc manner, including cases of alleged favouritism, efforts of our Government have been to make the process institutionally driven, transparent and open," Singh said.

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The minister emphasised that it is crucial that the constitutional mandate for social justice is upheld, ensuring that deserving candidates from marginalised communities receive their rightful representation in government services.

Strongly urging the cancellation of UPSC advertisement for lateral entry, Singh said, "Historically, these specialized positions, designated as single-cadre posts, have not been subject to reservation policies. This situation requires urgent review and reform, especially in light of the Prime Minister's focus on social justice."