Opposition, bureaucrats, even BJP MP oppose 'lateral entry' into civil-services
The Center's notification on lateral entry into 10 junior secretary positions has been hailed by many, but it has also riled several others. The opposition has alleged it will circumvent caste-based reservations, while allowing the ruling BJP to hire people fitting into their ideology. Incidentally, a BJP MP has also opposed it. Ministers and NDA leaders related to caste issues remained unreachable, HT claims.
The notification that has disturbed many
In a rare move, the government published ads for 10 junior secretary posts, inviting "outstanding individuals" with relevant experience in PSUs, autonomous bodies, universities, and even the private sector, with expertise in relevant fields. These positions are generally filled through the UPSC exams, which reserve 15% seats for SC, 7.5% for ST and 27% for OBC in the IAS.
Congress, SP, BSP, RJD speak up against the move
"I oppose the move...to bring RSS cadet in. Reservation is main casualty," said CPI(M)'s TK Rangarajan. Congress spokesman PL Punia said this was a way for "RSS-BJP and some corporate houses" to "directly influence the government from inside." CPI(M), Samajwadi Party, RJD and BSP Chief Mayawati spoke out against it too. "Concerned" BJP MP Udit Raj said he'd write to the DoPT to ensure reservation is implemented.
Bureaucrats question how the new system will function
Though some bureaucrats like Ashok Khemka hailed the move, many others slammed it too. "The persons who will be brought in will have five-year tenures. If wrong decisions are taken by them, who'll be responsible once they leave?" asked a joint secretary-level official. Former cabinet secretary KM Chandrashekhar had a cautionary advice: "crucial aspects" shouldn't be overlooked, like "who'll hire them, what will be selection process."
'Have hired outsiders previously for contractual roles'
A personnel ministry official pointed out that this is the first time such an organized policy is being implemented for hiring at senior levels, but the Narendra Modi government has looked outside its arena for hiring outsiders before too.
Dalits already upset over SC/SC-Act 'dilution,' no quota in promotions
This controversy comes amid protests by Dalits over alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act and delay in implementation of reservation in job promotions. Taking up their cause, the government challenged the Supreme Court's SC/ST Act order, and wrote to the DoPT to ensure implementation of quota in certain appointments. But enraging the Dalits, who form 16% of the population, could prove costly for BJP in 2019.
