Union Minister Jitendra Singh sent a letter to the chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday, asking him to cancel the recent advertisement for lateral entry positions.

The letter cited the Prime Minister’s directions and called for the process of lateral recruitment to adhere to the principles of equity and social justice as outlined in the Constitution, particularly regarding the provision for reservations.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Saturday had advertised 45 posts — 10 of joint secretaries and 35 of directors/deputy secretaries — to be filled through the lateral entry mode on a contract basis. It is the biggest tranche of lateral recruitment being undertaken by the Centre, an official said.

“The government of India has submitted the requisitions for lateral recruitment of joint secretary and director/deputy secretary level officers. Accordingly, online applications are invited from talented and motivated Indian nationals willing to contribute towards nation building to join the government at the level of joint secretary or director/deputy secretary…,” read the advertisement.

The vacancies in different ministries/departments with headquarters at New Delhi were expected to be filled on a contract basis (on deputation for officers of states/UT cadres, public sector undertakings (PSUs), autonomous bodies, statutory organisations, universities, recognized research institutes) for a period of three years (extendable to five years depending upon performance) through website https://www.upsconline.nic.in by September 17, it said.