New Delhi: In response to backlash from NDA allies and the Opposition, the government has requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its advertisement for lateral entry recruitment into civil services.

Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh highlighted concerns about social justice, emphasizing that the appointment of external specialists without reservation provisions could undermine representation for marginalized communities.

The UPSC has complied and retracted the advertisement. Singh stressed that these roles, being specialized single-cadre posts, lacked reservation provisions, conflicting with the Prime Minister's commitment to social justice and equity.

He urged a review and reform of the policy to align with constitutional principles of reservation.

The controversy intensified as NDA allies, including Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Congress-led opposition criticized the initiative for lacking quotas for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.

Singh pointed out that high-profile lateral appointments in past governments often bypassed reservation processes, but this case sparked renewed debate.

This move marks the fourth attempt by the NDA government to incorporate domain experts into the civil services, with 63 lateral appointments made over the past five years. Currently, 57 lateral entry experts are serving in various ministries.