August 20, 2024: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday wrote to the chairperson Union Public Service Commission or UPSC on cancelling the lateral entry advertisement as per directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Last Saturday, the UPSC Saturday advertised for 45 posts – 10 of joint secretaries and 35 of directors/deputy secretaries – to be filled through the lateral entry mode on a contract basis. This scheme is aimed at appointing specialists in government departments. 
The move comes a day after Bharatiya Janata Party ally and Union minister Chirag Paswan on Monday voiced concern over making any appointment in government posts without providing reservation, as the political row over lateral entry escalated, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleging it was an “attack” on the Dalits, OBCs and adivasis.