UPSC Lateral Entry Debate: A Legacy of Congress-led Reforms and Ongoing Controversy

The UPSC's recent lateral entry notification has sparked opposition criticism, raising questions about reservation rights and the recruitment process. Critics allege favoritism, while historical records show the concept was first suggested during the Congress-led UPA era and endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission.

The recent notification from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) regarding lateral entry posts has ignited a firestorm of criticism from opposition parties. Sources revealed on Sunday that the concept of lateral entry originated during the Congress-led UPA government's tenure and was strongly supported by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) founded in 2005 and chaired by Veerappa Moily.

The UPSC's decision to recruit Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries through this method has drawn ire from opposition leaders, who argue it undermines the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs, and STs. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of bypassing the traditional UPSC route, instead recruiting public servants through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

According to sources, the Second ARC highlighted the necessity of reforms to enhance the effectiveness, transparency, and citizen-friendliness of the Indian administrative system. In its 10th Report, the Commission recommended introducing lateral entry for roles requiring specialized knowledge, advocating for a transparent and merit-based selection process, and suggesting the establishment of an agency to oversee recruitment and management. This concept, officially introduced during Modi's tenure in 2018, was aimed at integrating external expertise with the civil services framework to modernize India's public administration.