'पीएम मोदी ने प्रतिबद्धता दिखाई है...': यूपीएससी लेटरल एंट्री विज्ञापन रोलबैक पर वैष्णव

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been steadfast in his dedication to upholding social justice and the Constitution crafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In a statement, Vaishnaw pointed to the recent developments around the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) lateral entry as a testament to this commitment. According to him, the rollback of the UPSC's lateral entry advertisement demonstrates Modi’s resolve to ensure that the principle of reservation is integral to all government recruitment processes.

Vaishnaw highlighted that Prime Minister Modi's leadership has been instrumental in the decision to grant the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) constitutional status. This move has been lauded as a significant step in reinforcing the government's commitment to the rights and representation of backward classes in the country.

Further elaborating on the government’s policies, Vaishnaw mentioned that the implementation of reservation in institutions such as NEET, Sainik Schools, and other key educational bodies is a direct result of the Modi administration's focus on inclusivity. He noted that under Modi’s tenure, these institutions have become more accessible to marginalized communities, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach every segment of society, particularly the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Vaishnaw also spoke of the symbolic importance of honoring the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, stating that Prime Minister Modi has ensured that Ambedkar's "five sacred places" are recognized and respected appropriately. Additionally, he expressed pride in the fact that the current President of India hails from a tribal community, viewing it as a reflection of the government's commitment to social justice and representation.

The Union Minister criticized the previous Congress-led government, asserting that prior to 2014, there was a noticeable lack of emphasis on reservation principles in government recruitment. He cited examples from the Congress era, noting that finance secretaries were often inducted through lateral entry without consideration for reservation. He mentioned that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the then Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia were among those who entered service through lateral entry, bypassing the reservation principle.

In contrast, Vaishnaw argued that Prime Minister Modi has redefined the concept of lateral entry within the UPSC framework. By ensuring that reservation principles are applied to lateral entry posts, Modi has introduced a new level of transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. This, according to Vaishnaw, is a clear indicator of the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to social justice.

The controversy surrounding the lateral entry process came to a head when the Centre directed the UPSC to withdraw its latest advertisement for lateral entry into the bureaucracy. The advertisement, issued on August 17, had called for the recruitment of 45 joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries through lateral entry. This recruitment drive was intended to bring in specialists, including those from the private sector, into key government positions.

However, the advertisement sparked a row over the lack of clarity regarding the application of reservation principles in the recruitment process. In response to the concerns raised, Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh wrote to UPSC Chairman Preeti Sudan, requesting that the advertisement be canceled. Singh emphasized that it is crucial for marginalized communities to receive their rightful representation in government services, and that the recruitment process must reflect this commitment.

The rollback of the UPSC advertisement has been seen as a significant move by the Modi government to ensure that the principle of reservation remains a central tenet of all government recruitment processes, including those conducted through lateral entry. This decision has been hailed by many as a reaffirmation of the government's dedication to social justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities across India.

News Reference