Last week, the UPSC announced 45 posts to be filled through lateral recruitment. The centre is seeking to fill 10 posts of joint secretary and 35 posts of director/deputy secretary through lateral recruitment scheme.
The BJP called this hypocrisy and said the second administrative reforms commission under the UPA in 2005 had recommended hiring of experts with specialised knowledge. However, the lateral entry scheme was formally implemented in 2018.
Congress spokesperson Sulaiman Mohd Khan expressed concern, saying: “There is reservation in appointments, but there is no reservation in posts. This is a direct attack on the Constitution, on reservation for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes.”
He also warned of the potential dangers of relying on short-term appointments, which could disproportionately affect the representation of these communities in the bureaucracy.
Khan noted that since the formal implementation of the plan in 2018, 63 senior appointments have already been made, and the current plan to appoint 10 joint secretaries and 35 directors/undersecretaries could set a dangerous precedent.
Anil Razdan, former secretary of the Ministry of Power, stressed the importance of UPSC in maintaining the credibility and integrity of the recruitment process for civil servants. He acknowledged that technical expertise is necessary in certain fields, but stressed that UPSC’s rigorous written examination has been a pillar of the recruitment process, ensuring that the best talent is selected from across the country.
Aruna Sharma, former Secretary, Ministry of Steel, expressed concern over the short tenure of recruits in lateral posts, which is normally limited to three years. She argued that this limited tenure might not allow these recruits enough time to fully integrate into the government system and make a significant impact.
Sharma warned that the current approach, which seeks to recruit more laterals, could dilute the effectiveness of the civil services if not managed carefully.
To watch the full interview, see the attached video
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