Yuva Varta | 19.5 | Anand Shitole
(India News) This discussion is aimed at people of all religions and castes who frequently debate reservation percentages and reservation limits. Every year, around one million students appear for the examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). In 2022, the number stood at 1,152,000. In 2021, 1,093,948 candidates appeared for the exam, and after completing the preliminary examination, mains, and interview process, only 761 candidates were finally selected – a success rate of 0.06%, meaning approximately one person succeeds out of every 1,438 candidates.
(India News) Now, to the main issue.
(Lateral Entry) Under the appealing term “lateral entry,” the government has introduced a parallel recruitment process, claiming it aims to bring skilled professionals from the private sector into public service. In 2018, 10 officers of Joint Secretary rank were appointed, and in 2021, 59 gazetted officers were selected through this route.
The article argues that this system undermines the efforts of lakhs of aspirants preparing for competitive examinations, suggesting that opportunities earned through years of preparation are being bypassed.
(India News) It further questions why a private-sector professional, who may earn significantly more than a government officer at the same rank, would choose government service. The article raises concerns that lateral entry bypasses reservation policies and may create a bureaucracy functioning through selective influence rather than merit-based competitive recruitment.
The commentary also highlights the sacrifices made by lakhs of aspirants and their families, many of whom invest heavily in education, coaching, and years of study for examinations such as UPSC and state public service exams, only to feel discouraged if senior positions are filled through alternate channels.
The article concludes by questioning whether increasing privatization, contractual appointments, and lateral recruitment could weaken the long-term significance of reservation and competitive examination systems.
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