The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently issued an advertisement for lateral recruitment into the Indian bureaucracy, aiming to fill 45 posts of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary across 24 ministries. This initiative seeks to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, including state governments, public sector undertakings, research institutes, and even the private sector. These positions will be on a contract basis for three years, extendable to five years, as the government grapples with a significant shortage of IAS and IPS officers.
Understanding Lateral Entry
Lateral entry into the bureaucracy refers to the recruitment of individuals from outside the traditional civil service framework, specifically targeting those with specialized expertise and knowledge relevant to specific government functions. The rationale behind this approach, as articulated by Minister of State Jitendra Singh in 2019, is to harness the specialized skills of professionals for crucial assignments within the government. This strategy aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of governance by integrating diverse perspectives and expertise into the bureaucratic system.
The initiative was first launched in 2018, and since then, 63 appointments have been made through this process. The government’s decision to pursue lateral recruitment is also a response to the pressing need for more officers at senior levels, given the current shortfall of over 1,400 IAS and 900 IPS officers.
Criticism of the Lateral Entry Policy
Despite its intentions, the lateral entry policy has faced significant criticism. One of the primary concerns is the absence of reservation quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in these recruitments. Opposition leaders have raised alarms over the lack of inclusivity in this hiring process, arguing that it undermines the principles of affirmative action that are crucial for equitable representation in government roles.
Moreover, critics point out that these are not permanent positions, which raises concerns about the long-term commitment of appointees to the government’s objectives. As noted by former DoPT Additional Secretary Sujata Chaturvedi in 2018, there are no mandatory reservations for appointments made on a contract basis, which further complicates the issue of representation.
Another significant criticism is the potential for conflicts of interest, as high-caliber professionals may prioritize personal or external interests over the long-term goals of the government, given their short-term contracts.
Global Context
The concept of lateral entry is not unique to India; several Western countries, including the UK, USA, Australia, and Belgium, have successfully implemented similar practices. These nations have opened specific government positions to qualified individuals from various sectors, aiming to enrich their bureaucratic systems with diverse expertise. This global trend highlights a growing recognition of the value that external professionals can bring to government operations.
While the lateral entry initiative by the UPSC represents a significant shift in the Indian bureaucratic landscape, it also raises important questions about equity, representation, and the long-term implications for governance. As the government moves forward with this policy, it will need to address these criticisms to ensure that the initiative fulfills its intended goals without compromising the principles of inclusivity and accountability.
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