Rahul Gandhi’s Concerns Over Lateral Entry and Reservation

Rahul Gandhi, former Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has unequivocally criticized the government’s move to recruit civil servants through lateral entry. He argues that this action undermines the reservation system meant for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to dismantle the social justice system. Gandhi referred to this move as an “anti-national step,” alleging that it undermines the rights of underprivileged communities who depend on reservations for representation in top government positions.

The lateral entry scheme, recently announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is set to select 45 professionals for key roles such as joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries in various central ministries. Traditionally, these positions are filled by officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), and other Group A services. According to Gandhi, the government’s decision to bypass these services and recruit through lateral entry is a direct attack on the system and an effort to exclude underprivileged groups from critical administrative roles.

Allegations of Privatization and Corporate Influence–

Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of “privatizing” the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) by allowing individuals from the private sector to occupy high-ranking government positions. He suggested that this practice not only weakens the administrative structure but also favors corporate interests over public welfare. As an example, Gandhi pointed to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), where a private sector individual, Madhabi Buch, was appointed as the chairperson. He suggested that such appointments may lead to conflicts of interest, where corporate interests may influence government decisions.

Gandhi’s concerns are rooted in the belief that lateral entries could become a tool for sidelining the reservation system, thus denying SC, ST, and OBC candidates their rightful opportunities in public service. He emphasized that the INDIA alliance, an opposition coalition, would firmly oppose this policy, which he claims undermines both administrative wisdom and social justice.

Gandhi’s Call for Opposition to the Policy–

Gandhi reiterated his long-standing belief that underprivileged communities are underrepresented in the nation’s top administrative positions. Instead of addressing this issue, he argues that the government is exacerbating the problem by introducing lateral entry, which he believes is designed to further marginalize these groups. By describing the policy as a “theft of the rights of talented youth preparing for UPSC,” Gandhi accused the government of attacking the concept of social justice.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi’s critique of the lateral entry policy is part of a broader narrative that questions the government’s commitment to protecting the reservation system and ensuring fair representation of underprivileged communities in the Indian bureaucracy. His statements reflect the opposition’s determination to challenge the policy, which they see as a threat to both the administrative system and the principles of social justice enshrined in the Constitution.

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SanchitaNews Writer

Sanchita is currently pursuing her master's in journalism and mass communication. She has already completed a PG diploma in journalism and mass communication from Patna Women's College and her graduation from Berhampur University. With a strong desire to become a journalist, she is focused on learning and enhancing her skills to excel in her chosen career.

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