The Big Picture - Lateral Entry in Bureaucracy 

I am an IITian. My professor, Prof. Mukesh Sharma a person of values, who has developed Ambient air quality Index. He says that when he visited the chief secy of Delhi to propose the plans to reduce the ambient air pollution, Mr. Chief Secy was not able to understand him even in simple language. If he doesn't understand professor, how will he take action to implement the policies? If in place of secy, professor would have been there, the condition of Delhi could've been something other way. This is called lateral entry.

Why do govt. don't train an IAS officer into a specialist in any particular domain during the period of 10 years from their first posting based upon their area of expertise ?

IAS and IFS officers in this debate are more practical than other one.

As former Cabinet Secretary TSR Subramanium had remarked in an earlier episode, short-term contracts under Lateral Entry would be disastrous. It will promote a lobby industry like that in the US, where the chain links from bottom to the President and his executive staff. I think the present Staffing Policy of the Central Government needs a relook into the duration of these entries, regulatory provisions and attesting accountability. In terms of reforms to Civil Services also, why can't we adjust to a 'domain expertise' or 'cluster' system as the UK did in early 1960s on the recommendations of Fulton Committee. As such, we may not need lateral entries at all in future, and leverage on the grassroots experience of our civil servants as well.

Lateral Entry pros: 1) Utilizing Private Expertise 2) Increase in resource availability 3)Mixing of Private Public domain knowledge 4) Successful examples : Dr. Manmohan Singh, Montek Singh .. cons: 1) Implementation needs transparency to inspire confidence 2) Administration is a complex procedure hence advisory Role should be assigned first than promotion depends on performance 3) Difference in value system in Public and Private sector 4) Income and duration of service not enough to encourage a career in administration 5) Example East India Company took decades to adjust to administrative scope in INDIA Issues to ponder: 1) Reservation 2) Change in bureaucracy structure 3) Selection procedure

The optional subject that students take in upsc cse exam should be utilized as an expert domain after giving training in that area and they should be posted in their optional subjects area instead of hiring on a lateral entry basis.......

Very good decision.... No need for these inefficient babus.... We need people who can deliver

Instead of allowing them to join bureaucracy. These 10 persons must be made advisors to the particular departments.

This episode gives the actual picture of lateral entry with merits and demerits it may be question in UPSC interview.Rajya sabha tv The.big picture episode is really helpful for the youth to keep updates of current affairs.. I heartly thanks to all team of RSTV . Mr Nagsen A Bhalerao

Transparency in selection process,a serious issue.

Ab coaching me jaane se acha RSS me jao agar Ias banke is desh k liye acha karna h to...par RSS jakar mindwash Mat ho jaana, kahi wapas aakar riots karane lago

I appriciate this move but now govt must make education qualification for politician

Give that 10 people the seat of rajyasabha ..

all indian citizen know our political system is not quite honest . this decision make nexus between politician and businessman . rstv guest also worried about transparancy in selection of lateral bureaucrats

Sushil Chandra sir explained in a very excellent way.

That's why there should be a strong opposition. we have seen in last four years that a single person is disturbing and destroying the constitutional bodies and making his hold and that is not good for democracy. I oppose this change

70yrs over. Can anyone tell me how India benifitted from so called bureaucrats? Still India tops in Hunger index, highest poverty in world , highest gender gap, highest in corruption index. Ask these questions to urself and answer me.

Great debate.....more than a debate good evaluation.....as always FRANK proves his ability to anchor once again...

very well explained, all the doubts...!! thanx Rajya Sabha TV nd Frank for making such debates avlbl fot us !!

program on lateral entry in Bureaucracy is good but goverment must be understood that after lateral entry in bureaucracy there would be bigger possibility to feel jealous between the external joint secretary post and before IAS was elected to the examination Surat government should be also the reevaluate of the whole process and system which is going to be happen in the future

One of the best debates! Mr. Perera, you are doing a great job.

Today India direly needed is to reform our political system(dirt politicians lalu mulayam ramdas athawale type ) not the bureaucratic system .there is no dirth of capable bureaucrats (ashok khemaka and Armstrong pame etc etc) ..think it

Having great amount of knowledge and great amount of experience is different. Yes those who clear UPSC CCE exams are no doubt talented, smart, capable and knowledgeable people but they are Jack of all and master of some. They don't remain in one department for too long which doesn't give them an opportunity to be an expert in one particular field. Be it Raghuram Rajan, Manmohan Singh, Amartya Sen they have expert knowledge about Finance and are from Finance background so bringing such people to Joint Secretary level will be an added bonus to Indian government. And Just because some one clears UPSC doesn't mean he or she is the best citizen or the most talented person on earth. A.P.J Abdul Kalam was not an IAS officer but look at his contributions towards India's development.

Sushil Chandra Tripati sir always rock!

Bring lateral entry into politics too...it would also bring expertise in that sector

Swimming Pool mein and river mein swimming karna different hein. Respect for expertise... But without compromising transparency... In one way or the other it help to upsc aspirants who claim that they are honest and have all the credentials of being a civil servant but unable to crack the exam due to various reasons. If one feel that he/she has faith in constitution and fully service motive then work for 15+ years in private sector in different fields and try to come back through lateral entry without wasting in repeated attempts and by productive utilisation of time and talent. In both the cases one finds win win situation.

Grt approach to attract the talented minds who has ideas to make some changes in government policy making by allowing them to executive position.Hope for the best.

Mere hisab se age honi chahiye 24-34. Kyuki ab IAS officer experts hone chahiye na ki just a general collector. 21 age me normal graduate apni post graduation bhi complete kar sake and apni knowledge ko apply karke dekhe by doing job in private firms and then he/she should try for this exam. Agar kuch Professional degree Vale bhi hai vo bhi kuch time Ka experience le kar Aaye iss job ke liye. Benefits if age limits 24-34 not from 21-32. 1. Competition me sabhi life and Job ke experience le kar Aaye honge, jo vo IAS ki job me apply kar sakege. 2. Agar suppose vo candidate clear nahi kar pata to vo apni purani job(private job) me vapas ja sakega due to its experience. 3. Normal graduates + job = professional graduates so equal level par honge both type of candidates. 4. English weak candidates (hindi medium) candidates get time to improve there English before actual preparation for upsc. 5. Agar preparation start karne se pehle usse private job Ka experience hoga to vo govt job me bhi vo ussi tezi se kaam karega. ........ Many more benefits Suggest your view on my opnion

Skipping Sanjay Kumar's talk😂

There is optional subject in the selection process of the All india service. That may be used to determine the domain of the work as in various ministry at the time coming to the age of 40yr the candidate will be having the domain experience of 10-15 yr rather than putting the candidate into any domain analyzing the subject matter and putting in a particular domain will be more transparent for citizens of india

We must try this system of entry. But selection MUST be through UPSC with utmost transparency

If it reduces civil services' vacancies then it would be last nail on this government's coffin😖😖😖 rozgar diye ni saalo ne or ye tarangi vichar late hain

Ab toh SAMBIT PATRA bhi Joint Secretary ban jaega LoL 😂😂

vivek katju sahab rightly pointed out the vital intricacies associated with this step....

Nice discussion with foresigth view. Thanks RSTV...

Tripathi sir.. amazing explanations🙏

Please provide captions...

SYNOPSIS OF THE DEBATE CONS: 1. NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY IN LATERAL ENTRY. 2. EAST INDIA COMPANY - UNDERWENT LONG TRANSITION FROM TRADE TO GOVERNANCE. 3. PROFIT MOTIVE OF CORPORATE TO PUBLIC SERVICE MOTIVE OF GOVERNANCE 4. SELF LIMITING NATURE OF GOVERNMENT CONTRAST TO PRIVATE SECTOR. 5. SHORT TERM 3 YEAR CAREER AND UNATTRACTIVE PAY. 6. SUBORDINATE OFFICERS MAY TAKE HIM/HER FOR A RIDE IF UNAWARE OF INTRICATE DETAILS IN GOVERNANCE. PROS: 1.SPECIALIST SERVICES WITH SKILLED DOMAIN KNOWLEDGE OF THE ARENA. 2. NEW FLAVOURS IN GOVERNANCE. 3.COMPETITION AND COMPETITIVE THINKING AND NEW TALENTS. 4. GREAT OPPURTUNITY FOR SKILLED PUBLIC SERVICE ENTHUSIASTS. PLEASE ADD ANY MORE POINTS UNDER COMMENTS SECTION.

Frank sir, I request you to make an episode on journalism in India and latest cobrapost sting operation .

Too good discussion. keep going. tnx rs tv.

This is a good move provided that there will be transparency in selection process. We should see the ministries chosen for this, they all are related to the economy, infrastructure and development and they really need domain experts for new innovative ideas and schemes. We should notice that the crucial ministries like defence or MEA or home ministry are not included so we should understand that the government are not trying to disturb the fabric of the bureaucracy but their intention are to use best brains in the government. Those we aspire to become civil servants should trust the government under whom they have to work. I believe that IAS officers have enough knowledge and they all are very talented but still we should agree that one person will never become an expert and will never be experienced in aviation, commerce, finance and highways at the same time. We need different people who are experts in their domain. In current system we are only taking generalist in all sectors who have knowledge but are not experts of what they are doing.

Transparency and power to the recruited person and selection procedure is the key.

Frank Sir, your tie is wonderful.

merit should be considered, and the manner of oppointment matters lots as transperancy issues otherwise politicisation of beaurocracy may happen like politician may appoint thier kin there on such posts. overall all depends on appointment procedure

it is Good move but recruitment should be transparent (like UPSC)..... and i think "Lateral Exit also should start for IAS officers for few year if they want ......for study of any specialization or other thing

Katju sir is awesome..

public sector for profit and worker in publice sector more responsible than govt sector, it will be good for govt they can do very well job but requirement must be transparent

one per ministry is advisable but only on those that require knowledge in niche areas, like civil aviation, Renewable energy; infact we may borrow officers on loan basis or deputation from other CPSUs as well like Marine engineers into minsitries like shipping, DMA (Naval) and Indian economic service officers into DEA or DFS.actually they are happening but a structured approach is needed These officers may serve as nodal point of references for subject expertise when acts/order/rulers are framed. They can also nurture the freshly inducted career bureaucrats into specialists and contribute immensely to the Mission karmayogi ( capacity development programme) DOPT is suggested to follow a transfer policy that is more cluster oriented rather than vacancy oriented approach

It is good move but there should be a transparency in selection process, no nexus between candidate and government . India wants good governance which can be improved by welcoming this move.

why niti aayog think tank created .....???

The whole feasibility and soul purpose of this motive fully functionally depends upon the fair, impartial and transparent mode of selection because it needs a lot to get transform from profit making to public service moreover your future decisions and roleplay will be in context to and with The Government of India.. Good luck..

Bring lateral enteries has both pros and cons from my opinion. Firstly, I think this is a good move. Because govt is giving an opportunity for the people who are even from private sectors and PSU's. There are many people who are having immense knowledge on the topics which may bring change and development of our country. And there is no need for the aspirants to worry about the posts, as the people for the post of joint secretary are selected and trained by UPSC. Secondly, the term given for the J.sect is a small period which of 3yrs extendable to 5yrs. This effects the people who wanted to set their career for long time n may truly cause a wrong impact if the person reuses the skills learned during this term in his private sector. So, govt n UPSC need to think from Every aspect and take a good decision.

Superb comment Frank..."reservations"

Good intiave, UPSC people studying everything but they can't be expert after working in particular department then afterwards he she became expert of that field..

that is not good decision... of bjp government...

Lateral entry in elite services is not new who all are new here and it has been going on since 50 years

People will write case study on this.

Single question .....This expert(lateral entry candidate) is going to take responsibility of action taken by him or just work on disclaimer or professional protection.

Bad idea

Good and informative discussion !! But Mr. Frank please take care to have panelists who have diverging point of views. Here all three broadly have similar view point on this topic accept few differences here and there.

I think this is great move to end this reservation system 😁,which is good to see🤗 only talented, deserving people must given this opportunities / positions to do some better for the betterment of our country.

Consultants can be hired to do the Said job, and if they are so talented then why can’t they clear the exam.

Govt should think about the, offering specialized ministry within the course of IAS TRAINING. Basic training ND then training in different govt department so that particular candidate ll continue with that ministry throughout the career ND become specialized

Good debate but question is about transparency government always try to put like minded puppet on big posts. What we have seen in varsity and other higher posts

This is a step in right direction by the govt. This is perhaps the biggest reform in bureaucracy in the last 20 years. Our babus i.e. IAS,IPS, IRS are yet to come out of their colonial hangover. Their mindset still reflects mai-baap attitude. Unfortunately most of our bureaucrats are corrupt to the core. It is high time these corrupt babus and deadwoods are weeded out. Only section which is worried and scared with this move of the govt is the IAS lobby. The monopoly of IAS in higher bureaucracy is now threatened. Now they have a serious competition from talents of private sector. So they are using tricks of all kind to stall the lateral entry.

Lateral entry is good but it should be conducted under the UPSC.UPSC is a constitutional body which conducts the most fair selection in India.But BJP govt want to appoint own corporate friends and RSS worker in Indian bureaucracy for vested interest.Now cabinet secretary will appoints people as joint secretary in opaque manner wishlist of govt, the position of cabinet sec. is weak in front of political leaders including PM and ministers.

May be a good move ...but if we require such experts at different levels of bureaucracies in ministry...so we should select some of the interest people from them who are really interested to work in a particular field and can make proper training system so that they can get enough exposure to work and then lateral entry will not be required. Jai Hind Jai bharat!!🙏🏾🙏🏾

One request to rstv that debate should be in both side in the above episode all the panelists are talking in the favour of lateral entry but no one is in against In recent days I have seen many of debates on rstv are in a single side

this is a good movement but it should be fair and transparent.

I m a upsc aspirant I respect our pm But this move is so worst Lateral entry is disgusting I want this move must be critised everyehere After heard about lateral entry really unhappy

The provision of lateral entry in upsc is good but it should be only for public sector undertakings and policy implementing departments on 3 years contract basis

A dirty move by govt ,now a days selection commission like SSC...are badly affected by politician and totally failed to deliver the transparent selection. Here govt is going to higher own people...

Good move. Can act as pilot for future.

i dont know if sanjay kumar knows what he is talkin about so confidently

Ye kaun log hai inko sayad nahi pata upse exam ka level kya hota hai..ab toh lagata hai ki upsc Ka bhi privatisation ho jayega....

If it's work with transparency & fair is good move...which is impossible in India

I would be very worried about a corporate man coming in and wrecking the system for two years and going away. It would take our legal system 30 years to convict him. So these are the kinds of misuse we have to guard against. Not my words but of : TSR Subramaniam

it can be sustainable if the selection is not based on political perspective, and also it is a right way of finding new talented peoples in the private sector.

Foolish govt don't know its outcome in the society there is no hope for any sc at obc person to get this job.

Country can not be deprived of best capabilities and resources available at least within country.

The move is good BT should be remained political neutral there should be independent body like UPSC to silect

I think those who are capable enough to clear upsc are also capable to be expert in a particular area hence selected ones are to be trained rather than paving the way for nepotism.

How bizarre is it that no IAS is accepting that lateral entries are the results of their failures?

Certainly good move it will induct talent ,customer focus ,sub expert into adminstration . lateral entry not new to India it happened earlier( M.Singh,Montagu) now also( civil servant working in PSU) ... Need#### As compared to previous decade adminstration became complex now .govt involves in development all sectors of economy and society so it will be helpful if govt bring sub expert into adminstration (civil servant get the training in one sub and posted to other field in which he has no knowledge)... Way forward ////// Evolution of colonial civil service selection procedure. Extension of service( 5 yr to 10yrs) Selection procedure is key

But government should clarify whether it is substitute or alternative to civil service

Wah!

I think many of us will be upsc aspirant and we can't criticise gov't. Step but only can recommend provisions to ensure accountability and transparency in selection process e.g.. 1. Effective training 2. Accountability 3. Selection by upsc 4. Providing domain knowledge to existing civil servants ..... I request don't indulge your personal opinions If u wanna clear exam

I work at Deloitte for 3 years as a chartered accountant, but I am completely disagree with the view as shared by the Sanjay kumar.

As rightly pointed out by panels, transparency and fairness in selection and appointment are the keys to make lateral entry feasible. But the reality is that India is a country where everything is politicised and transparency (India is Asian's most corrupt country) is increasingly hard to come by. Again, as one of the panels mentioned, this lateral entry should be on pilot project basis.

The best part of lateral entry will be that it will thrive the individuals for excellence and position will remain after performance which include risk however govt officer take their job granted. I am not questioning the knowledge of govt. Officer but lateral entry will add synergy . Disclaimer: Right talent to be placed at right place

In our democracy, we have completely failed to elect good leaders and on what basis is government taking such decisions?? What about transparency?? it's completely political motivated move...

indepandent director of psu already lateral entry done by such political candidate to reward loyalty than how can now its not been done ???

upsc exam is about general studies. All of which are going to be studying relevant things instead of depth. Then, it is for the post of joint secretary which will take some time for us to reach even if we become officers. Third, what guarantee is there that when the govt. requires a capable person for shipping, agriculture sector which we as general studies students will be able to provide with lesser experience than that expert..

Lateral entry brings talent.

Just don’t call it Joint secretary... you may recruit whoever you want.. it dilutes the value of joint secretary position...

I think, it's a good move

Who will they choose joint secretary at agriculture ministry . Not in any case any farmer .they will hire guy from corporate sector of ,Industries like fertilizer sector .they will only increase cronyism . Caught corrupt IAS by using mechanism but gov has different plan.

how many this private sector people ...bother about voting right ....for them its just enjoyment day

While the vacancies are decreasing, govt is making fun of the aspirants working hard to be an officer. If they need an expert then they should try to create new departments and recruit people through an apt and just body to do away all the chances of manipulation. Employment rate dekhna chahiye pahle ki kya hai desh ka and Civil Services are the most important posts that should not be awarded arbitrarily. I mean who will ensure that there will be no corruption. There is a logic behind conducting an entrance exam i.e to remove corruption but as of now, this system doesn't seem to be fair. It takes 20+ years of service to be a joint security hence he has all the qualities to be the right person for the post.

Formation of committed bureaucracy will happen