Govt Rolls Back Lateral Entry Decision into UPSC Amid Backlash from the Opposition

Published On: August 20, 2024 - The Centre reversed its decision on lateral entry just days after the UPSC advertised senior positions for lateral recruitment within the Union government. This change comes in response to intense criticism from the opposition, who have condemned the move as an attack on Dalits, OBCs, and tribals. Dissenting voices also emerged within the NDA coalition. On Tuesday, the government requested the UPSC to withdraw its advertisement for lateral entry into the bureaucracy, reversing its earlier position amid substantial opposition criticism. In a letter to the UPSC chief, Union Minister Jitendra Singh conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes the decision should align with the principles of social justice. Has Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition cornered the Modi Govt on Constitution and reservation issues? On Point decodes