The announcement of lateral entry into administrative services has sparked intense political debate and division within both opposition and ruling parties.
Initially, opposition parties criticized the lateral entry policy, alleging it violates the principles of Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s constitution by lacking reservation provisions. Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi labeled it a scheme to undermine reservation systems.
The ruling NDA is also divided on the issue. The JDU and LJP (led by Ram Vilas Paswan) have voiced strong objections. JDU senior leader KC Tyagi argued that the decision undermines the principle of filling reserved seats and questioned the merit-based approach. “From the beginning, our party has requested the government to fill up the reserved seats,” Tyagi stated. He criticized the decision as an opportunity for the opposition to challenge the NDA, suggesting it would enable Rahul Gandhi to champion backward classes’ issues.
In contrast, Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP has supported the lateral entry policy, asserting that it will enhance administrative quality and improve service delivery to the public.
LJP Chairman and Union Minister Chirag Paswan has also expressed dissatisfaction with the policy. His party insists on maintaining reservation in government appointments and warns of potential issues if the government sector follows the private sector’s lead without reservation.
According to a recent UPSC notification, the government will recruit senior administrative positions through lateral entry in 24 ministries. The openings include 45 posts for Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary. The recruitment aims to bring in competent and motivated individuals from outside the traditional administrative cadre.