Government’s Lateral Entry Scheme

The Indian government’s lateral entry scheme, introduced in 2018, was designed to bring in specialized expertise from the private sector to strengthen the country’s bureaucracy. The idea was to appoint private sector professionals to key positions like joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary, with the goal of improving governance and efficiency. However, over time, this scheme has faced a series of challenges, both political and practical, that have led to its overhaul. Let’s take a closer look at its evolution, challenges, and the uncertain future it faces.

What Was the Original Purpose of the Lateral Entry Scheme?

The lateral entry scheme was launched with a clear objective: to bring in fresh expertise into the government by appointing professionals from the private sector, especially in mid-level positions. These appointments were supposed to be on contract or deputation, with tenures ranging from three to five years. The scheme’s main aim was to fill positions in the bureaucracy with experts who could bring innovation and a modern approach to the functioning of government departments.

However, despite this well-thought-out plan, the scheme has not progressed as smoothly as anticipated. Only 63 appointments have been made since its inception, and the scheme has struggled to attract talent from the private sector. Interestingly, most applicants have come from Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) rather than the private sector. This mismatch in expectations and outcomes raised several concerns about the scheme’s effectiveness and relevance.

Why Did the Scheme Face Political Backlash?

In August 2024, the Indian government had to backtrack on its decision to recruit 45 mid-level bureaucrats through lateral entry. The reason? Opposition parties accused the government of bypassing the reservation system for marginalized communities. These criticisms led to significant political pressure, with many arguing that such a move undermined social justice and fairness in government hiring practices.

In response to these concerns, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pledged to include caste-based reservations in future lateral entry appointments. The move was seen as an effort to balance the need for specialized talent with the principles of social justice, ensuring that the appointments align with India’s constitutional mandates.

What Does the Future Hold for the Lateral Entry Scheme?

The lateral entry scheme is now under review, and it is unlikely to make a return anytime soon in its original form. The government is considering overhauling the policy to attract more talent and address concerns about fairness and representation. This overhaul will likely involve changes that could make the scheme more aligned with the country’s social justice objectives while still ensuring that the bureaucracy benefits from private sector expertise.

Given these revisions, the future of the lateral entry scheme remains uncertain. The government will need to strike a delicate balance between attracting skilled professionals and adhering to the principles of social justice and constitutional mandates. As the situation stands, we can expect more discussions and revisions before the scheme is reintroduced.

What Does the Lateral Entry Scheme Mean for Indian Governance?

The lateral entry scheme was an ambitious effort by the Indian government to improve its bureaucracy by bringing in fresh expertise from the private sector. However, due to political pressures and concerns about fairness, the scheme has faced significant challenges. The government’s decision to overhaul it reflects its commitment to ensuring that such appointments are in line with both the need for specialized skills and the principles of social justice.

Summary of the news

Why in News Key Points
Lateral Entry Scheme – Overhaul and Political Backlash The government scrapped recruitment of 45 mid-level bureaucrats under the scheme due to opposition criticism over caste-based reservations.
Scheme Launch Year The scheme was launched in 2018 with the aim to bring in private sector experts to mid-level bureaucratic positions.
Appointments Made 63 appointments made under the scheme since its inception.
Current Status The scheme is under review, and its future remains uncertain due to political and practical challenges.
Key Ministers Involved Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav emphasized that PM Modi pledged to incorporate reservations in future appointments.
Scheme Objective To recruit private sector professionals to positions like joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary on contract/deputation.
Reservation Issue Political backlash due to lack of caste-based reservations in lateral entry appointments.
Reservation Implementation Future lateral entry appointments will include reservations for marginalized communities.
Piyush Shukla

Recent Posts

Where was India’s First National Dolphin Research Centre Inaugurated?

In a significant move towards wildlife conservation, India has taken a major step to protect…

1 min ago

Jacob Kiplimo Breaks Half-Marathon World Record in Barcelona

Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo made history in Barcelona by shattering the world half-marathon record. The…

3 mins ago

Which District of Bihar Receives the Highest Rainfall?

Bihar is a state in eastern India that experiences different levels of rainfall across its…

2 hours ago

Global Tourism Resilience Day 2025: Key Highlights, Significance, Date

Global Tourism Resilience Day, observed annually on February 17, is a significant occasion dedicated to…

2 hours ago

Noted Bengali Vocalist Pratul Mukhopadhyay Passes Away

Renowned Bengali vocalist, composer, and lyricist Pratul Mukhopadhyay breathed his last at the age of…

2 hours ago

Sportstar Aces Awards 2025: Find Out The Winners

The 2025 Sportstar Aces Awards celebrated India's finest sporting talents at the Taj Mahal Palace,…

2 hours ago