Lateral Entry in Civil Services: Origin and Evolution

The concept of lateral entry into the Indian civil services was introduced during the Congress-led UPA regime and endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission in 2005. The UPSC recently notified the recruitment of 45 specialists, drawing criticism for potentially undermining reservation rights. These reforms aim to integrate domain experts into the administration.

The concept of lateral entry into India's civil services traces its origins to the Congress-led UPA government and was strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission established in 2005, according to government sources.

On Saturday, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) issued a notification to recruit 45 joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries through lateral entry. This scheme invites specialists, including those from the private sector, into government roles.

The decision has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who argue that it undermines the reservation rights of OBCs, SCs, and STs. However, sources clarified that lateral entry has historical precedence and was recommended for bringing specialized knowledge into the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)