The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday (20.08.2024) cancelled the advertisement for lateral entry recruitment after the central government’s directive to take back the scheme. The recruitment process, which was intended for 45 posts at the levels of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Director, has been cancelled.
“It is for information of all concerned that the Advertisement No.54/2024 pertaining to Lateral recruitment, for 45 posts of the level of Joint Secretary/Director/Deputy Secretary in different Departments published in the Employment News, various Newspapers and on website of the Commission on 17th August, 2024 is cancelled as requested by the requisitioning authority,” as stated by UPSC in its circular.
Earlier in the day, the Modi government had asked the UPSC to cancel the advertisement, citing the need to review the process to ensure that reservations are included in such appointments.
The Minister of the Department of Personnel and Training Dr. Jitendra Singh wrote a letter to UPSC Chairperson Priti Sudan on Tuesday (August 20, 2024), asking that the advertisements be withdrawn and plans for recruitment be cancelled. Dr. Singh explained that the advertised positions have been treated as specialized and designated as single cadre posts with no provision for quotas. However, he emphasized that this approach needs to be “reviewed and reformed” in light of the Prime Minister’s focus on ensuring social justice.
“It is important that the constitutional mandate towards social justice is upheld so that deserving candidates from marginalised communities get their rightful representation in the government services…I urge the UPSC to cancel the advertisement for local entry recruitment issued on 17 August, 2024. This step would be a significant advance in the pursuit of social justice and empowerment,” he wrote.
