The Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan has openly criticized the lateral entry scheme introduced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. This initiative, which seeks to bring experts and specialists into the Indian bureaucracy, has sparked concerns among political allies of the ruling party.
Paswan voiced his objections during an interaction with the media, arguing that the scheme undermines the reservation system by allowing professionals to bypass the standard recruitment process. According to Paswan, this approach deprives candidates from backward classes of opportunities for top government positions, thereby perpetuating inequality.
He further stressed that the lateral entry system disrupts the existing structure of public service recruitment and could have long-term repercussions on social justice. Paswan emphasized his commitment to raising this issue with the government, signaling potential friction within the NDA over this policy.
This development adds to the ongoing debate about the merit of lateral entry into the civil services, with critics highlighting its impact on the traditional recruitment and promotion processes within the bureaucracy. The government's move, intended to bring in fresh talent and expertise, is now under scrutiny as concerns about its fairness and inclusivity come to the forefront.
Paswan’s statements suggest that this issue may evolve into a larger political debate, with implications for the NDA's unity and policy direction. The lateral entry scheme remains a contentious topic, as stakeholders weigh the benefits of bringing in external expertise against the potential disruption of established public service norms.