In civil services, what should matter are - capabilities, merit and talent. In this context, examine the relevance of lateral entry in civil services in face of various apprehensions.

Civil Services Reform is Important Area making them Competent for 21st Century Governance and Lateral Entry is one of such Reform. Relevance of Lateral Entry: 1) Fresh Talent: With Industrial Exposure into Bureaucracy 2) Fresh and out of Box Perspective: Innovative Ideas and Industrial Experience 3) Tackling Shortage of Staff: Presently around 1500-2000 Posts of IAS are Vacant 4) Industrial and Best Practice from the World can be Adopted

Issues in Lateral Entry: 1) Attitude of Burnt Bureaucracy: May be Curbed for Success of Lateral Entry 2) Limited Ground Level Exposure: May Turn into Army Chair Policy Making 3) Social Justice Parameters: May be Overlooked for Affirmative Action Parameters 4) Limited Tenure with Government of Just 2 Years: Reminder of Some Extent at Director Level Way Forward: - Reform in Mindset of Existing Bureaucracy - Improvement in Training Condition of Service of Entrants - Hence, Lateral Entry is one of the Reform which Need to be Applied for Civil Service Reform.