The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recently announced the recruitment of 30 specialists for the positions of Joint Secretary and Director in the Central administration, through a process known as Lateral Entry. This move is hoped to bring fresh perspectives, expertise and efficiency into the Indian bureaucracy. However, it also raises pertinent questions about its implementation and potential challenges.
Understanding Lateral Entry :
Lateral entry is a process that allows specialists, primarily from the private sector, to be appointed in government organisations. In this recent case, the government intends to recruit exceptional individuals who possess expertise in diverse fields such as agriculture, finance, renewable energy, civil aviation and more.
The Benefits of Lateral Entry :
Lateral Entry into government jobs presents several advantages. It opens doors to specialists who can tackle complex administrative challenges that require specific domain knowledge. Furthermore, it addresses the issue of manpower shortage, particularly of IAS officers, at the Central level. Plus, the integration of private-sector values such as economy and efficiency can boost the government sector’s performance. Lastly, lateral entry encourages participatory governance by allowing stakeholders from different sectors to contribute to the governance process.
Challenges in Implementing Lateral Entry :
Despite the potential benefits, several issues need to be addressed for effective implementation of Lateral Entry. A key concern is ensuring transparency in the selection process. The candidate must fit into the government’s operational system, given the difference in value systems between the two sectors. Individuals transitioning from a profit-oriented approach to a public service-oriented one might face initial hurdles. Another challenge could arise from internal resistance from existing civil servants who may view lateral entry as a threat. Potential conflicts of interest due to the transition from the private sector also need to be examined, necessitating a robust code of conduct. Finally, the impact of lateral entries on field-level implementation, considering their roles in top-level policy-making, could be limited.
Moving Forward with Lateral Entry :
Lateral Entry, while advantageous, is not a complete solution to improve governance. It can, however, bring about a positive change influenced by international practices, if implemented with transparency and fairness. This approach must also maintain an egalitarian perspective so as not to alienate the marginalized sections of society. Institutions like UPSC could play a significant role in this, given a selection process endorsed by Parliament.
