Chirag Paswan Slams Lateral Entry Decision, Urges Government to Uphold Reservation Policies

Chirag Paswan: The government’s decision to directly recruit 45 vacant posts of the Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary rank now snowballed into a major debate, drawing sharp reactions from different political quarters. Severe criticism was given way by the opposition parties and even within the NDA coalition over the move that has opened lateral entry into these senior positions.

Congress and Samajwadi Party Criticize Government’s Lateral Entry Decision

#WATCH | Patna: On UPSC lateral recruitment, Union Minister Chirag Paswan says, "…The first thing is that the government's thinking is completely in support of reservation. The Prime Minister's thinking is in support of reservation. My party and I do not agree with the way in… pic.twitter.com/GhaAZqTshu— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2024

Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, have also objected vigorously to the government’s decision, saying that it is an infringement on existing norms and practices. Dissenting voices within the NDA have added fuel to the controversy. Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party has openly expressed views against these lateral entries. Paswan pointed out that recruitment should adhere to provisions relating to reservation. “The way in which the government is trying to bypass the reservation norms for these appointments is wrong in principle. We will continue to struggle for ensuring that the reservation policies are applied in all the government appointments,” said Paswan. He also said that LJP will raise this issue within the government and ensure that reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs actually mean something.

Calls for Filling Reserved Seats and Criticizes Government’s Approach

Senior JDU leader KC Tyagi has agreed with the apprehensions expressed by Paswan saying that first, the government should fill up the reserved seats. “Our party has consistently demanded that reserved seats be filled up. The way the government is currently going about it is flawed and gives handles to the opposition parties,” said Tyagi. He questioned the government for seeking appointments on merit when the system had been designed to keep a set of people out.

In contrast, the Telugu Desam Party has come out in support of the government’s decision. According to TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh, lateral entry into the ministries is welcome since there is a requirement of experts’ input. “We believe that incorporating experts from the private sector is good for effective governance. The inclusion of such professionals is a positive step,” Lokesh asserted. As the debate rages on, entry to such crucial positions on lateral terms is always a very contentious decision and reflective of broader debates on merit, reservation, and governance in India.
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