BJ

BHOOMIKA JAINAIR 331· 2025

Question Q.17Discuss.GS2GS2

Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss. (15 marks, 250 words)

Open scan (p.39)

Introduction

Lateral entry exerts to the induction of domain experts at various lodes in administration outside bureaucratic hierarchy.

17 words

Main Body

Lateral entry exerts to the induction of domain experts at various lodes in administration outside bureaucratic hierarchy.

Lateral entry as synonym step diagram branches into:

1Domain expertise in policy-making
2Countering bureaucratic state-jargonism
3Breading superior building tendency of bureaucracy
4Multi-stakeholder governance
5Bringing fresh thought thru system Eg. Nandan Nilekani for Aadhaar
6Efficiency in administration through expert advisors

yet criticism and controversy:-

1Silo'd approach - lateral entrants specialize in only one domain, not general administration
2NO systemic eyesight
3Lack of motivation of existing workforce
4Conflict between generalist civil service and specialist lateral entrants.
5Disregard for equity in opportunities. Eg no reservation for lateral entry, no reservation for OBC, SC, ST - against equity
6NO review service approach - senior most only after senior entrants not liable for their actions
7NO holistic approach to policymaking and implementation + admin adviser

Way forward:-

1Lateral entrants only at joint secretary level to facilitate reorganizing (NITI Aayog mechanism)
2Building capacity of existing personnel for domain specialization (eg mission hasmayogi)
3Certain parity on lateral entrants (Recency from dawn advertisement as after guidelines) - need deep guideline
4MoUs between entrants and government resident conflict of interest.

Lateral entry is in line with multi-stakeholder governance approach but equity and systemic considerations should be kept in mind.

224 words3 paragraphs

Conclusion

Lateral entry is in line with multi-stakeholder governance approach but equity and systemic considerations should be kept in mind.

19 words

Diagram

A diagram showing lateral entry as a synonym step with branches including: 1) Domain expertise in policy-making, 2) Countering bureaucratic state-jargonism, 3) Breading superior building tendency of bureaucracy, 4) Multi-stakeholder governance, 5) Bringing fresh thought through system (Eg. Nandan Nilekani for Aadhaar), 6) Efficiency in administration through expert advisors. Also shows criticism and controversy branches.

Topper

BHOOMIKA JAIN

AIR 3312025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

Civil Service Reforms

Lateral Entry into Civil Services

Writing Stats

260

Total words

3

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone