The recent decision by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries through lateral entry has sparked significant debate in India’s political arena. Opposition parties have criticized the move, arguing that it could undermine the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs, and STs. However, this concept of lateral entry into the civil services, now a contentious issue, was originally introduced under the Congress-led UPA government and was strongly supported by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) chaired by Veerappa Moily.
The origins of lateral entry
The idea of lateral entry was formally introduced as part of a broader agenda to reform India’s administrative framework during the tenure of the UPA government. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 2005 under the chairmanship of Veerappa Moily, was tasked with suggesting reforms to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and citizen-friendliness of the Indian administrative system. In its 10th Report, titled ‘Refurbishing of Personnel Administration – Scaling New Heights,’ the ARC emphasized the need to reform personnel management within the civil services.
One of the key recommendations from this report was the introduction of lateral entry into higher government positions that require specialized knowledge and skills not always available within the traditional civil services. The ARC identified that certain government roles, particularly those involving economics, finance, technology, and public policy, would benefit from the expertise of professionals from the private sector, academia, and public sector undertakings. The introduction of lateral entry was seen as a way to bridge the gap between the evolving needs of the nation and the existing capabilities of the civil services.
Need for specialized expertise
The ARC recognized that the Indian bureaucracy, while capable, often lacked the specialized skills needed to tackle complex, modern challenges. To address this, the Commission proposed creating a talent pool of professionals who could be inducted into the government on a short-term or contractual basis. These individuals would bring fresh perspectives, cutting-edge expertise, and innovative approaches to governance.
Moreover, the ARC emphasized the importance of a transparent and merit-based selection process for lateral entrants. It suggested the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee their recruitment and management, ensuring that the process was fair and that the best talent was brought into the government. The ARC also recommended a robust performance management system to hold lateral entrants accountable and to assess their contributions regularly.
Historical context of administrative reforms
The concept of integrating specialized skills into the civil services is not new. The First Administrative Reforms Commission, established in 1966 under the chairmanship of Morarji Desai (and later succeeded by K. Hanumanthaiah), laid the groundwork for future discussions on the need for professionalization within the bureaucracy. Although it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry as it is understood today, the First ARC emphasized the importance of training, personnel management, and professionalization to ensure that the civil services could meet the challenges of a rapidly changing nation.
Historically, the Government of India has occasionally inducted outside talent into higher tiers of government, usually in advisory roles or key administrative assignments. For example, the position of Chief Economic Advisor has traditionally been held by a lateral entrant, usually an eminent economist from outside the traditional civil service framework. Additionally, several distinguished individuals have been appointed at the highest levels as Secretaries to the Government.
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Lateral entry during prime minister Narendra Modi’s government
The lateral entry scheme gained formal recognition and momentum during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. In 2018, the government announced vacancies for senior positions such as Joint Secretaries and Directors, opening these roles to professionals from both the private and public sectors. This marked a significant shift in India’s administrative approach, aligning with the ARC’s recommendations to bring external expertise into the civil services.
The selection process for these roles was rigorous, focusing on the candidates’ qualifications, experience, and suitability for strategic positions within the government. This initiative operationalized the vision set forth by the Second ARC, emphasizing the need for a more dynamic and responsive administration capable of addressing the complexities of modern governance.
Despite the opposition’s criticism, the lateral entry scheme remains rooted in the idea of enhancing the efficiency of India’s public administration by infusing it with specialized skills and fresh perspectives from outside the traditional civil service framework. This ongoing debate underscores the challenges and opportunities associated with modernizing India’s governance structures to meet the demands of the 21st century.
