Chicago – August 18, 2024
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized the government’s decision to hire public servants through lateral entry as “anti-national.” He accused the government of undermining the reservation system for SCs, STs, and OBCs by filling key positions with specialists instead of traditional civil service officers.
Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bypassing the Union Public Service Commission by recruiting through organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which, he claimed, threatens the constitutional framework.
His remarks follow the announcement that 45 specialists will join as joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries in central ministries, roles typically held by officers from the Indian Administrative Service and other services. Gandhi cited SEBI’s leadership as an example, expressing concerns over conflicts of interest due to corporate influence in crucial government roles. He vowed opposition to a detrimental move against administrative integrity and social justice.
