Introduction

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently responded to criticism from opposition parties regarding the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) notification for recruiting Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries through lateral entry. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have claimed that this move undermines the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs, and STs. However, Vaishnaw pointed out that the concept of lateral entry was initially introduced during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government, revealing what he described as the party’s hypocrisy on the matter.

Lateral Entry: Origin and Concept

The concept of lateral entry into government positions was first proposed by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. In 2005, the UPA established the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) under the chairmanship of Veerappa Moily. The ARC was tasked with recommending reforms to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and citizen-friendliness of the Indian administrative system. One of the key recommendations in its 10th report, titled “Refurbishing of Personnel Administration – Scaling New Heights,” was the introduction of lateral entry to fill gaps in roles that required specialized knowledge and skills.

Need for Expertise

The ARC identified a significant need for specialized expertise in certain government roles, which was not always available within the traditional civil services. The recommendation was to recruit professionals from the private sector, academia, and public sector undertakings to address these gaps. This approach aimed to bring fresh perspectives and cutting-edge expertise to areas such as economics, finance, technology, and public policy, thereby improving governance and decision-making at the highest levels.

Creation of a Talent Pool

To implement this idea, the ARC proposed the creation of a talent pool of professionals who could be inducted into government service on a short-term or contractual basis. This pool was envisioned to provide the government with access to specialized knowledge, enhancing the effectiveness of its administrative machinery. The ARC emphasized that the selection of these professionals should be based on a transparent and merit-based process.

Selection and Performance Management

The Commission recommended that a dedicated agency oversee the recruitment and management of lateral entrants. The selection process was to be transparent, with an emphasis on merit, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates were chosen.  Additionally, the ARC stressed the importance of a robust performance management system to hold lateral entrants accountable for their work and regularly assess their contributions.

Integration with Existing Civil Services

The ARC also highlighted the importance of integrating lateral entrants with the existing civil services in a way that maintained the integrity and ethos of the civil service while leveraging the specialized skills these professionals would bring. The aim was to enhance the overall effectiveness of the government by combining the strengths of both traditional civil servants and external experts.

Historical Context and Precedents

The concept of bringing external expertise into government service is not entirely new. The first ARC, established in 1966, laid the groundwork for discussions on the need for specialized skills within the civil services. Although it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry, it emphasized the need for professionalization, training, and personnel management reforms. Historically, the Government of India has occasionally inducted outside talent into higher tiers of the government, particularly in advisory roles. The Chief Economic Advisor and other distinguished individuals have often been lateral entrants, appointed to key administrative positions due to their specialized knowledge.

Lateral Entry During the Modi Government

The lateral entry scheme was formally introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, driven by the need for domain experts to enhance the efficiency of India’s administrative machinery. In 2018, the government announced vacancies for senior positions such as Joint Secretaries and Directors, marking the first time that professionals from both the private and public sectors were invited to apply for these high-level roles. This initiative was a direct implementation of the ARC’s recommendations from the UPA era, demonstrating continuity in governance reform.

Conclusion

The lateral entry scheme, though currently a point of political contention, has its roots in the recommendations of the UPA government’s Second Administrative Reforms Commission. By integrating specialized expertise into the higher echelons of government, this reform aims to make the Indian administrative system more dynamic, effective, and responsive to modern governance challenges.

Disclaimer

The content provided is for informational purposes and reflects the views expressed by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw regarding the origins of the lateral entry scheme. The information is based on public statements and reports, and the readers are encouraged to verify the details independently. The government’s policies and their implementation are subject to change and should be understood in the broader context of ongoing administrative reforms in India.

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