Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw faced criticism on Tuesday after his reversal on the lateral entry advertisement issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Initially, Vaishnaw had defended the move, asserting that lateral entry into bureaucracy would enhance governance, a reform he noted was originally conceptualized by the UPA government.
However, following the rollback of the advertisement, Vaishnaw aligned with the decision, stating that the move was in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to social justice. The decision to withdraw the ad was reportedly influenced by the Prime Minister’s belief that lateral entry should adhere to the principles of reservation to ensure the welfare of the weakest sections of society.
“The rollback of the lateral entry advertisement underscores PM Modi’s unwavering dedication to social justice. His administration has consistently advanced the welfare of marginalized communities, and this decision reflects that commitment,” Vaishnaw said in a statement.
The minister also addressed criticism from opposition leaders, particularly from Congress, who accused the government of inconsistency. Vaishnaw countered by highlighting that the concept of lateral entry was developed during the UPA era and questioned whether the Congress had considered reservation principles at that time.
“A decision has been made to implement reservation principles in lateral entry through a transparent method. During the UPA government, these principles were not prioritized. Congress should explain their stance on this issue,” Vaishnaw remarked.
The withdrawal of the advertisement followed a letter from Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, who emphasized the need to align lateral entry with social justice principles.
