 |
|
The Indian political landscape is currently witnessing a heated debate over the Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) decision to implement a lateral entry scheme for filling 45 positions of Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, and Director in 24 central ministries. This move has drawn sharp criticism from major opposition parties like the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), who accuse the Modi government of undermining the reservation system meant for marginalized communities.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in a strongly worded statement on X, called the government's move a 'double attack' on reservation. He alleged that this scheme is a deliberate ploy to deprive individuals from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of opportunities. He pointed out the absence of reservation provisions within the lateral entry scheme, arguing that it strategically excludes historically disadvantaged groups from accessing these influential positions.
Echoing Kharge's concerns, Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the RJD, a key member of the INDIA bloc, expressed his disapproval of the lateral entry scheme. He criticized the UPSC advertisement as a 'dirty joke' on the Indian Constitution and a deliberate attempt to dismantle the reservation system. Yadav emphasized that had the UPSC filled these positions through the traditional civil service examination, a significant portion of the 45 positions would have been reserved for candidates from SC, ST, and OBC categories.
Both Kharge and Yadav further emphasized the importance of caste-based census for achieving social justice. They argue that this data is crucial for understanding the socio-economic realities of marginalized communities and ensuring their fair representation in all spheres of society.
The BJP, in contrast, has defended the lateral entry scheme, claiming that it will bring in fresh talent and expertise to the government. They argue that the scheme is not intended to undermine reservation, but rather to supplement the existing system by providing opportunities for qualified professionals from the private sector.
The debate over lateral entry is not merely about filling government positions; it reflects a larger discourse on social justice, merit, and representation in India. It highlights the deep-seated anxieties and concerns surrounding the effectiveness of the reservation system and its role in ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching implications for the future of the Indian bureaucracy and the broader social fabric of the nation.
Source: Opposition attacks Centre over lateral entry push by UPSC to fill 45 posts