Lateral entry refers to the process of appointing individuals from various sectors, such as the private sector, state governments, autonomous bodies, or public sector undertakings, to mid-level and senior positions within the Indian government. This initiative specifically targets roles like joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries, with the objective of introducing domain-specific expertise and fresh perspectives to enhance governance.
The primary aim of introducing lateral entry into the Indian government is to diversify the talent pool within its administrative framework. By welcoming specialists with proven expertise and experience from outside the traditional civil services, the initiative seeks to strengthen policy formulation and implementation through innovative ideas and best practices.
Individuals working in the private sector, state governments, autonomous bodies, or public sector undertakings are eligible to apply for lateral entry positions. Candidates must possess domain expertise and a strong professional track record relevant to the role. The selection criteria usually emphasize professional accomplishments and specialized knowledge.
The selection of candidates for lateral entry positions is managed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or other designated bodies. The process typically includes application screening, personal interviews, and assessments to evaluate the candidate's expertise, experience, and overall suitability for the government role.
As of the latest update, a total of 38 private sector specialists have been appointed under the lateral entry scheme. These appointments span various government departments and include roles such as joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries.
The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, responsiveness, and effectiveness of the Indian bureaucracy by integrating external expertise. While it is still early to evaluate the long-term impact, there is optimism that these appointments will foster innovative policy-making and lead to improved governance outcomes.
Lateral entrants are generally appointed on a contractual basis, with specific employment terms set by the government at the time of their appointment. The potential for their transition into permanent government positions depends on government policies and discretion.
Integrating private sector specialists into government roles presents several challenges. These include cultural assimilation, navigating the bureaucratic framework, and ensuring effective collaboration between career civil servants and lateral entrants. Additionally, concerns about the transparency and fairness of the selection process are ongoing, prompting the government to implement rigorous assessment and selection procedures.
Q1. What is lateral entry in the Indian government?
Answer: Lateral entry is the appointment of professionals from outside the civil service into mid-level and senior government positions to enhance governance with domain-specific expertise.
Q2. Who can apply for lateral entry positions?
Answer: Candidates with proven experience in relevant fields from the private sector, state governments, or public undertakings are eligible for lateral entry positions.
Q3. How many specialists have been appointed through lateral entry?
Answer: A total of 38 private sector specialists have been appointed through lateral entry, encompassing various roles in different government departments.
Q4. How does the selection process work for lateral entry?
Answer: The selection process involves application screening, interviews, and assessments conducted by the UPSC or designated bodies to evaluate candidates' expertise and suitability.
Q5. What challenges does lateral entry face in the Indian bureaucracy?
Answer: Challenges include cultural integration, bureaucratic navigation, and ensuring fair selection processes, which the government aims to address through robust assessment methods.
Question 1: What is the primary aim of lateral entry in the Indian government?
A) To promote civil service jobs
B) To diversify the talent pool in governance
C) To replace existing bureaucrats
D) To reduce government positions
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who conducts the selection for lateral entry positions?
A) State governments
B) Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
C) Private sector companies
D) Autonomous bodies
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How many private sector specialists were appointed through lateral entry as per the latest update?
A) 25
B) 38
C) 50
D) 40
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What type of expertise is sought through lateral entry?
A) General administrative skills
B) Domain-specific expertise
C) Political knowledge
D) Academic qualifications
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What is a common challenge for lateral entrants in government?
A) High salaries
B) Cultural assimilation
C) Excessive paperwork
D) Too many applicants
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: Are lateral entrants typically permanent employees?
A) Yes, always
B) No, usually contractual
C) Only in certain cases
D) Yes, but it's rare
Correct Answer: B
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