New Delhi: Opposition Criticism of Lateral Entry Scheme Faces Rebuttal Amid Historical Context
Introduction
Recent criticism from opposition parties regarding the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) notification for recruiting Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries through ‘lateral entry’ has highlighted concerns about the potential impact on reservation rights for OBCs, SCs, and STs. Notably, this criticism has been voiced by leaders such as Rahul Gandhi. However, the concept of lateral entry, which is the subject of current debate, was initially introduced during the Congress-led UPA government.
Historical Context and Initial Recommendations
The concept of lateral entry was first championed by the Congress-led UPA government through the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005 under the chairmanship of Veerappa Moily. The ARC’s 10th report, titled “Refurbishing of Personnel Administration – Scaling New Heights,” laid a foundational framework advocating for the recruitment of experts into specialized government roles.
Recommendations of the Second ARC
- Need for Specialized Expertise: The ARC identified gaps in the traditional civil services where specialized knowledge was required, which was not always available within existing service cadres. It recommended the inclusion of professionals from sectors such as academia, private industry, and public sector undertakings to address these gaps.
- Creation of a Talent Pool: The Commission suggested forming a talent pool of professionals who could be inducted into government positions on a short-term or contractual basis, providing fresh perspectives and advanced expertise in fields such as economics, finance, and technology.
- Transparent Selection Process: The ARC emphasized the need for a transparent and merit-based selection process for lateral entrants, proposing the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee this recruitment and management.
- Performance Management: A robust performance management system was recommended to ensure that lateral entrants are held accountable and their contributions are regularly assessed.
- Integration with Civil Services: The ARC stressed integrating lateral entrants in a way that maintains the integrity of the civil services while leveraging their specialized skills.
Criticism and Government Response
In response to recent criticisms from opposition leaders regarding the lateral entry scheme, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted what he perceives as the hypocrisy of the Congress party. In a post titled ‘Lateral Entry,’ Vaishnaw asserted that the UPA government had itself developed the concept of lateral entry and that the current NDA government is implementing it through a transparent process. He emphasized that this reform is intended to enhance governance by bringing in specialized expertise.
Implementation Under the Modi Government
The formal introduction of the lateral entry scheme under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure in 2018 marked a significant step in operationalizing the ARC’s recommendations. This initiative aimed to fill senior positions such as Joint Secretaries and Directors with professionals from outside the traditional civil service framework. The selection process for these positions has been rigorous, focusing on qualifications, experience, and suitability.
The Modi government’s approach reflects a commitment to modernizing India’s administrative system, ensuring it is more dynamic and responsive to contemporary governance challenges. The introduction of lateral entry has been a continuation of the vision set forth by the ARC, adapting it to the evolving needs of public administration in the 21st century.
