• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) cancelled its advertisement to fill key posts in government departments through lateral entry, amid a political row over the lack of a reservation provision for those positions.

• The move came after Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh wrote to UPSC chairperson Preeti Sudan to cancel the advertisement, so that marginalised communities get their rightful representation in government services.

• On August 17, the commission had issued a notification for the recruitment of 45 posts — 10 of joint secretaries and 35 of directors or deputy secretaries — through lateral entry, which is referred to as the appointment of specialists (including those from the private sector) in government departments. It was one of the biggest tranches of lateral recruitment announced by the commission.

• The decision had ignited criticism from the opposition parties, which claimed that it undermined the reservation rights of the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

What is Lateral Entry Scheme?

• Lateral entry enables the government to recruit professionals from outside the usual civil service pathways directly into mid-level and senior positions. 

• This initiative aims to infuse specialized expertise and fresh perspectives into the bureaucracy, enhancing the overall effectiveness of governance. 

• Individuals selected through lateral entry are typically appointed on three-year contracts, with the possibility of an extension for up to five years.

• So far, 63 appointments have been made through lateral entry, of which 35 were from the private sector. 

• At present, 57 such officers are in positions in different ministries and departments, according to the latest data.

Origin and Implementation

• The concept of lateral entry was first introduced under the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005 and chaired by (senior Congress leader) Veerappa Moily, the sources said.

• In 2017, the NITI Aayog proposed the concept of lateral entry in its three-year Action Agenda. The recommendation aimed to strengthen the central government's expertise and introduce new perspectives by bringing in professionals from outside the traditional civil service framework.

• The concept of lateral entry, been in practice since the 1950s, prominent figures like IG Patel, Manmohan Singh, V. Krishnamurthy, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and R.V. Shahi were all brought into the government through this process.

Who is eligible?

• Eligibility for lateral entry includes candidates with significant expertise and a proven track record in relevant fields. These individuals may come from the private sector, state governments, autonomous bodies, or public sector undertakings. 

• The selection process prioritises professional achievements and specialized knowledge in the respective domains.

Arguments in Favour of the Lateral Entry Scheme

• Lateral entry enables the government to bring in specialists with deep expertise in fields such as technology, management, and finance, addressing the increasing complexity of governance. These professionals can bridge the knowledge gaps that generalist civil servants may have, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of governance.

• Moreover, lateral entrants often come with valuable experience from the private sector, NGOs, or other organisations. Their diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives can drive innovation, reform administrative processes, and enhance the functioning of government bodies.

• The Department of Personnel and Training has identified a shortage of around 1,500 IAS officers, creating a critical need for skilled professionals. Lateral entry serves as a solution to fill these vacancies, ensuring that key positions are occupied by individuals capable of addressing the challenges faced by the administration.

• Additionally, lateral entry has the potential to reshape the work culture within the government. By introducing new energy and approaches, lateral entrants can help overcome the issues of red-tapism, rigid rule-following, and resistance to change, which have often been criticized within the government sector.

• Finally, as governance becomes more participatory and involves multiple actors, lateral entry provides a platform for stakeholders from the private sector and non-profit organisations to engage directly in the governance process. This not only makes the process more inclusive but also fosters collaboration across different sectors.

Arguments Against the Lateral Entry Scheme

• The central government has established a three-year tenure for joint secretaries recruited through lateral entry. Critics argue that this period is insufficient for newcomers to fully grasp the complexities of the governance system and make a meaningful impact.

• The inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds raises concerns about maintaining objectivity and neutrality in decision-making. There is a risk of conflicts of interest and biases, particularly if lateral entrants have prior connections with private companies or interest groups.

• The increased number of lateral entrants may create a divide between them and permanent officers, potentially leading to tensions within the bureaucracy. This divide could affect the morale of career civil servants who have devoted many years to public service.

• If not implemented transparently, the lateral entry scheme might undermine the merit-based recruitment system that underpins the civil services. There are concerns that the selection process could be swayed by favoritism or nepotism, potentially eroding trust in the system.

• Traditional bureaucrats might view lateral entrants as outsiders, leading to resistance and hostility towards their inclusion. This tension could create challenges related to hierarchy and acceptance, affecting collaboration and productivity.

• In the traditional system, IAS officers are promoted to the joint secretary level after about 17 years of service, typically around age 45, and stay in that role for approximately ten years. Lateral entrants, who often reach the peak of their careers in the private sector, may be reluctant to join the civil services if similar experience requirements are applied, due to the significant adjustment in status and responsibilities required.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)