Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.

Civil services in India is founded on basis of colonial modelling of hierarchy and rigidity. Is India attained independence in 1947, role of civil services also changed. Post 1991, it evolved from being a regulator to a facilitator. Lateral Entry refers to incoorporate private professionals in administrative roles instead of regular experienced civil servants for a period of time. Lateral Entry as Reformative Step (1) End ARC lamented focus on governance rather on effective governance. (2) Lateral entry processes expertise in dynamic departments esp. Civil Aviation in light of recent Air India crash Almundabad. (3) Bhuwan committee suggested tackling the problem of shortage through lateral entry. BY shortage of 1600 officers (IAS at centre.) (4) Private players bring in efficiency of outcome via target-based approach. (5) Hota Committee: ICT-based governance enabled corporate sector. (6) 2nd ARC recommended legislation of civil servants outside government to lateral entry facilitates this change between public sector & private sector (two-way)

However, Criticism:- (1) Narrows scope of favoritism & nepotism in selection. (2) Creates conflict of interest. (3) Influential corporate benefit chosen over public welfare. (4) Securing future prospects. Measures => digital electoral roll availability for audits. Completion by ECI with/broad to regain that. Hence, a balance between public welfare & efficiency needs to be maintained