No feasible model yet for reservation in lateral entry posts, says Jitendra Singh; DoPT highlights recruitment reforms

Almost two years after fresh lateral entry recruitment slowed amid demands for reservation, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) said no feasible option has yet been suggested to implement reservation in such appointments.

Addressing a press conference on the Ministry’s achievements over the last 12 years, Singh said the government remains open to suggestions but has not received a workable model for applying reservation in standalone lateral entry posts.

He said the issue emerged after concerns were raised over the absence of reservation in lateral entry recruitment. According to him, the government considered the suggestions received and remained open to inputs, but a practical mechanism has not yet been identified.

At the same time, Singh clarified that there is no order suspending the lateral entry process.

During the briefing, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Secretary Rachna Shah said a total of 63 lateral entry recruitments had been carried out so far and around two-thirds of those officials continue to serve in their respective positions. The last round of recruitment took place in 2023.

Notably, the government had withdrawn an advertisement for 45 lateral entry posts in August 2024 following criticism over the absence of reservation provisions.

The lateral entry scheme was introduced in 2018 to bring domain experts into government at the levels of Joint Secretary, Director and Deputy Secretary.

Separately, the Ministry also highlighted recruitment and governance reforms undertaken over the last 12 years. Singh said the focus has been on making recruitment more transparent and technology-driven.

He highlighted reforms including removal of interviews for Group B (Non-Gazetted) and Group C posts, expansion of computer-based examinations and adoption of digital governance platforms.

The Minister also referred to Mission Karmayogi and urged states to adopt governance and service delivery platforms developed by the Union government.