The Centre today requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to withdraw its advertisement for lateral entry into bureaucracy, a reversal following criticism from the Opposition and pressure from ally Chirag Paswan, who had reservations against the move. After the government's U-turn, the minister thanked the Prime Minister who "understood the concerns of people from SC/ST and OBCs".
UPSC last week issued an advertisement seeking "talented and motivated Indian nationals" for lateral recruitment to various senior positions within the Union government. These positions included Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary in 24 ministries, with a total of 45 posts up for grabs.