NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 25 (MExN): The Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas) has expressed strong opposition to any move for lateral or irregular appointments to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), stating that such practices would undermine the merit-based system of civil services in the country.
In a statement issued by National Secretary S. Richard Humtsoe, the party said that the UPSC Civil Services Examination remains the constitutionally mandated and transparent route for recruitment into the IAS, which is one of the premier All India Services established under Article 312 of the Constitution.
The party stated that any form of “backdoor appointment,” bypassing the UPSC or the rules laid down under the IAS (Recruitment) Rules 1954, would erode public trust, demoralise thousands of aspirants preparing for the competitive examination, and weaken the administrative framework.
“It would violate Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution which guarantee equality of opportunity in public employment,” the statement said.
The party further noted that such appointments risk compromising administrative neutrality and could lead to influence-based postings, corruption and a deterioration in the efficiency of governance.
It added that the reputation of the service itself could be affected if individuals enter without undergoing the same level of assessment and training as successful UPSC candidates.
“The integrity of the IAS and credibility of the administrative system depend on maintaining a transparent, rule-based recruitment process,” the statement said, urging that all appointments to the IAS must continue strictly as per the UPSC examination and existing recruitment rules.
