Once again, there is a lot of discussion about the system of creating ‘IAS without examination’ i.e. lateral entry process. In fact, many opposition parties including Congress are opposing 45 appointments being made through lateral entry. After opposition’s protest, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has countered this and said that the idea of lateral entry (direct recruitment) came during the time of UPA. The UPA government itself had put forward the concept of lateral entry. Do you know this system is also available outside India? In such a situation, let us know what this system is and which countries have lateral entry system…
What is lateral system after all?
If we talk about lateral system, then through UPSC lateral entry, candidates are directly appointed to those posts on which IAS rank officers are posted. That is, in these systems, candidates are directly appointed to the post of Deputy Secretary i.e. Joint Secretary and Director/Deputy Secretary in various ministries, departments and organizations. In this, experts from different sectors from private sectors are given jobs on these posts in the government. In this system, UPSC does not take part in the Civil Services Examination and private sector experts are appointed to these posts through interviews without any examination.
Which countries have lateral system?
Apart from India, there are many countries which support the appointments of officers through lateral entry. Countries famous for civil service management have direct and lateral entry systems, which include countries like Australia, USA and UK. Apart from these, this system is also implemented in countries like France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Spain.
For example, in America, officers are appointed to many posts through lateral entry and here lateral entry is a permanent part of the system. In America, entry is done for many posts through this and different experts apply for the vacant posts. Recently the US Department of State announced a new lateral entry pilot program. This time this scheme has been started for mid-career professionals, in which it was said that officers will be appointed for mid-level foreign service. Through this, there is talk of recruitment of officers of grade FP-03 and FP-02. Appointment in Federal Civil Service is also done through lateral entry.
Apart from this, Canada also has a lateral entry program and there is a provision for direct entry in some education courses. If we talk about UK, SCS is possible through lateral entry in the system there too, but currently their number is very less and it is important that the candidate taking lateral entry should have good experience in the private sector. By the way, the system of civil services in UK and India is almost the same.
Lateral entry system is quite common in America and even in defense there, appointments are made through it. In this, defense experts from other countries are also selected. There is also Australia Public Service Commission, like India’s UPSC, through which recruitment is also done through lateral entry. Similarly, it has been included in the system in many countries.
What benefits are offered?
Many experts also enumerate the benefits of lateral entry and explain how it further strengthens the system. Experts say that through the lateral entry system, both expertise and experience are included in government services. This is expected to improve the functioning and also brings in new thinking and approach.
With this, efficiency and transparency in bureaucracy increases. When selected through interview, special people are also selected among the experts and they have a long experience in that field, which is very beneficial in making policies. Also, through lateral entry, appointment of officers is faster and administrative work is expedited.
How many appointments took place in India?
Let us tell you that this time applications have been invited for 45 posts. Earlier in 2019, appointments were made on 8 Joint Secretary posts. After this, 30 officers (3 Joint Secretaries, 27 Directors) were selected in 2022. At the same time, recruitment was recommended for 37 posts in 2023, which included 20 officers (Joint Secretary, Director and Deputy Secretary). According to reports, in the last five years, so far 63 appointments have been made at these levels through lateral entry and currently 57 such officers are posted.