UPSC seeks candidates for 45 lateral entry posts in Ministries

On 17th August, The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced a call for applications for 45 lateral entry positions at the levels of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary across 24 Central ministries.

1. This recruitment aims to bring in expertise from the private sector, state/UT government, and PSU employees on a contractual basis.

What is Lateral Entry in Civil Services?

Lateral entry refers to the appointment of professionals from the private sector into senior positions in government organizations.

Background:

1. Initiation of Lateral Recruitment:

   1. Begun: 2018
   2. Recommendation: NITI Aayog's Three-Year Action Agenda and the Group of Secretaries (GoS) on Governance suggested inducting specialists into middle and senior management levels within the government.

2. Previous Appointments:

   1. Total Appointments in Last 5 Years: 63
   2. Current Officers in Position: 57

Purpose:

1. To recruit skilled individuals in areas such as revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture, and more.
2. To improve governance and operational efficiency.
3. Shortage: To address the shortage of IAS officers at the central level.

Process of Lateral Entry Recruitment

1. UPSC Role:

   1. Conducts the selection process for lateral entry positions.
   2. Invites online applications, conducts interviews, and recommends candidates.

2. Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT):

   1. Requests UPSC to handle the recruitment.
   2. Appoints recommended candidates for 3-5 year terms.

3. What is the role of DoPT?

1. The Department of Personnel & Training sets policies for maintaining the integrity of public services, combating corruption, and coordinating activities across various Ministries/Departments.

Overview of UPSC Lateral Entry Advertisement Date of Advertisement: August 17, 2024 Posts Advertised: 45 posts for Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary Departments/Ministries Affected: 24 Central ministries Contract Duration: 3 years, extendable to 5 years Eligibility: Open to private sector, state/UT government, and PSU employees; central government employees are not eligible. Key Vacancies: Joint Secretary: Digital Economy, FinTech, Cyber Security, Investment in Finance Ministry; Policy and Plan in NDMA, MHA Director/Deputy Secretary: Natural and Organic Farming, Water Management in Agriculture Ministry; Digital Media in Information and Broadcasting Ministry; Advanced Chemical Cell (ACC) Battery Manufacturing in Heavy Industries Ministry Experience and Age Requirements: Joint Secretary: 15 years experience, aged 40-55 Director: 10 years experience, aged 35-45 Deputy Secretary: 7 years experience, aged 32-40 Salary: Approximately ₹2.32 lakh per month for Joint Secretary

Need for Lateral Entry

1. Shortage of Officers:

1. IAS cadre shortage: 22.48% or 1,510 officers.
2. Combined shortage in IAS and IPS: 2,418 officers.

2. Domain Expertise:

1. Recruitment of specialists to enhance administrative efficiency and competitiveness.

Pros and Cons of Lateral Entry

Pros:

1. Expertise and Specialization: Brings in specialized knowledge and improves policy-making.
2. Innovation: Fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.
3. Merit-Based: Focuses on skills and experience rather than seniority.
4. Efficient Onboarding: Experienced professionals adapt quickly.

Cons:

1. Resistance: Potential friction with traditional civil services.
2. Lack of Public Sector Experience: May not fully understand government procedures.
3. Bias Concerns: Perceived issues with fairness and transparency in selection.
4. Short-Term Focus: Possible emphasis on immediate goals over long-term public service.

Global Context

Countries such as the United States, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand have provisions for lateral entry:

1. United States: Known as the “Spoils System,” where political appointees are often favored.
2. UK and Ireland: Selection based on work experience in both civil and private sectors.

Conclusion:

The UPSC's latest advertisement for 45 lateral entry positions represents a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and expertise within central ministries. Moving forward, this initiative could address the IAS officer shortage and bring specialized knowledge into governance. To maximize its benefits, the selection process should ensure transparency and integration to mitigate resistance from traditional civil services. Continued focus on merit-based appointments and effective onboarding will be crucial in leveraging the fresh perspectives and domain expertise that lateral entrants offer. This approach aligns with global practices and could set a precedent for future civil service reforms.

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