Lateral Entry Idea Not Abandoned, Says MoS Dr Jitendra Singh

BRMinister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr Jitendra Singh said on 18 June 2025 that the central government has not suspended lateral entry in government jobs. The clarification follows ten months of uncertainty after the government reportedly stopped recruiting private-sector experts over concerns that it undercuts reservations mandated in government jobs.

In August 2024, the government advertised for 45 senior positions open to lateral entry. However, it cancelled the process after political parties and others protested that these jobs would not include candidates from marginalised communities. At that time, the government said would review its policy and strive to uphold social justice.

Singh explained the government's position on Wednesday, saying lateral entry began with “noble intentions” to introduce specialised talent in government departments. He said his government had tried to make the process fair by having the Union Public Service Commission  handle the recruitment.

Singh also addressed the main issue of reservations. He explained that it was difficult to apply reservation rules to single, highly specialised posts. He said that if a single post was reserved and a suitable expert from that category could not be found, the government would have to wait a long time to fill the important role. Despite this difficulty, he confirmed that the government had not abandoned the policy and was still open to discussions on the matter.