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LATERAL RECRUITMENT TAKES AWAY QUOTA OF SCHEDULED COMMUNITIES, OBCS: RAHUL

Why in the news?

The government’s lateral recruitment policy has drawn criticism from Rahul Gandhi, who said that it violates reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Key Details

• Lateral Recruitment: This refers to the direct employment of specialists from the private sector for high government posts. This circumvents the customary hiring procedure via the UPSC Civil Services Test, which is the typical path for the majority of government positions.
• Constitutional Context: Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 335 of the Indian Constitution grant reservations in order to guarantee the representation of SCs, STs, and OBCs in government positions. One important component of India’s social justice framework is the reservation system.
• Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations: Gandhi argues that the reservation principle is undermined by lateral recruitment, which permits the government to fill positions without taking into account the representation of vulnerable people. He contends that this strategy goes against the constitutional requirement to give disadvantaged people fair access.
• The government’s explanation: The government argues that lateral hiring is a good way to infuse the bureaucracy with new ideas and domain experience, both of which can contribute to better governance. Critics counter that reservation policies shouldn’t be sacrificed in the process.
• Bureaucracy’s Effect: It has long been said that the Indian bureaucracy is closed off to outsiders and reluctant to adapt. Although lateral hiring is perceived as an effort to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the system, it also brings up issues with representation and meritocracy.