New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has expressed concerns over the lateral entry of individuals into top government positions on Sunday, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is appointing public servants through the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) rather than following the traditional Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) route.
Congress leader in a post on 'X' said, "Narendra Modi is attacking the Constitution by recruiting public servants through 'Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh' instead of Union Public Service Commission."
Gandhi further attacked PM for "snatching" the reservation of SC, ST and OBC categories through these "lateral entries on important posts."
"Reservation of SC, ST and OBC categories is being openly snatched away by recruiting through lateral entry on important posts in various ministries of the central government," Rahul Gandhi said on X.
Gandhi argues that this approach may undermine the reservation system and limit opportunities for talented individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. He has also raised questions about potential corporate influence in government appointments.
"I have always said that the underprivileged are not represented in all the top positions in the country, including the top bureaucracy. Instead of improving this, they are being pushed further away from top positions through lateral entry," Rahul Gandhi further said.
The issue of lateral entry has sparked debate about the role of the UPSC in selecting top government officials and the potential impact on the country's administrative structure and social justice.
"This is a robbery of the rights of talented youth preparing for UPSC and an attack on the concept of social justice including reservation for the deprived," Rahul Gandhi said.
He also cited the recent appointment of SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, who has been linked to the Adani group, as an example of corporate influence in government appointments.
"A prime example of what representatives of a few corporates will do by occupying key government positions is SEBI, where for the first time a person from the private sector has been made the chairperson," Rahul Gandhi said.
Gandhi vowed that the INDIA (Alliance) would strongly oppose this "anti-national move" that undermines both administrative structure and social justice. He termed the practice as "privatization of IAS" and "Modi's guarantee" to end reservation.
Rahul Gandhi further added, "INDIA (Alliance) will strongly oppose this anti-national move which hurts both the administrative structure and social justice. 'Privatisation of IAS' is 'Modi's guarantee' to end reservation."
This statement comes after the Allahabad High Court directed the government to prepare a fresh selection list for 69,000 assistant teacher appointments in Uttar Pradesh, which Gandhi hailed as a "befitting reply" to the BJP government's alleged conspiracy against the reservation system. (ANI)
