Bureau Report

Union minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday wrote to the chairperson Union Public Service Commission or UPSC on cancelling the lateral entry advertisement as per directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The UPSC last Saturday advertised for 45 posts – 10 of joint secretaries and 35 of directors/deputy secretaries – to be filled through the lateral entry mode on a contract basis. This scheme is aimed at appointing specialists (including those from the private sector) in government departments.

Union minister Chirag Paswan on Monday voiced concern over making any appointments in government posts without providing reservation, as the political row over lateral entry escalated, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleging it was an “attack” on the Dalits, OBCs and adivasis.