Aug 21, 2024
By: Prerna Tyagi
Credit: TOI
Lateral entry in bureaucracy means inducting individuals, generally experts in their respective fields, from outside of traditional, government service cadres. This is usually done on a contractual basis for 3-5 years. It was formally introduced by the Narendra Modi government in 2018, when 63 people were appointed in various ministries and departments.
Credit: TOI
Recently, the UPSC sparked a heated debate by advertising lateral recruitment for 45 senior posts. The move drew sharp criticism from Rahul Gandhi, who highlighted the lack of reservation for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. Following the intense backlash, the UPSC withdrew the advertisement.
Credit: TOI
The concept of lateral entry was first introduced during the 2004-09 period. However, the practice dates back to the early years of India's independence. Here are some notable figures who were lateral entrants into the Indian bureaucratic system:
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Prior to his stint as India’s Prime Minister, Singh held several key positions in the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission in the 1970s and 1980s. His lateral entry into the government came full circle when he was appointed Finance Minister by PV Narasimha Rao, leading the country through the era of LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalization).
Credit: TOI
Montek Singh Ahluwalia was the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, a position which carried the rank of a Cabinet Minister. He had previously held several senior-level positions in the Ministry of Finance.
Credit: TOI
Ram Vinay Shahi was appointed by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government to the Ministry of Power, where he was instrumental in advancing electricity reforms. During his tenure, the Indian electricity sector underwent significant restructuring.
Credit: RIS for developing countries
Rakesh Mohan, an esteemed economist and former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, has been a key adviser to various ministries. He continues to influence Indian policy as a part-time member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council.
Credit: TOI
IG Patel served as the Economic Adviser to the Ministry of Finance in 1954 and spent the next 18 years in one or other high-ranking capacity in the Government of India. He was later the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and held the post from 1977 to 1982.
Credit: wikipedia