Concept of lateral entry first introduced under Cong-led UPA regime: Rpts

The concept of lateral entry was first introduced under the Congress-led UPA regime and strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission established by it in 2005, government sources said on Sunday. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Saturday issued a notification for recruiting 45 joint secretaries, directors and deputy secretaries through lateral entry -- referred to as the appointment of specialists (including those from the private sector) in government departments. The decision ignited criticism from opposition parties, which claimed it undermined the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs and STs. However, it is important to recognise that the concept of lateral entry was first introduced under the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005 and chaired by (senior Congress leader) Veerappa Moily, the sources said. The government has historically