Policy Reversal
The Modi government withdrew the lateral entry recruitment scheme for senior bureaucratic positions after opposition parties and even NDA allies raised objections over the lack of reservation provisions.
What Was Proposed
Original scheme:
Lateral Entry Plan
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Positions | Joint Secretary, Director |
| Source | Private sector, academia |
| Process | UPSC recruitment |
| Tenure | Contract basis |
Opposition Criticism
Why parties objected:
Key Arguments
| Concern | Objection |
|---|---|
| Reservation | No SC/ST/OBC quota |
| Constitutional | PSU job norms |
| Merit | Bypassing UPSC process |
| Transparency | Selection concerns |
Reservation Issue
The central controversy:
Quota Question
| Category | Concern |
|---|---|
| SC | Not represented |
| ST | Not represented |
| OBC | Not represented |
| EWS | Not included |
Ally Pressure
NDA partners' role:
Coalition Dynamics
| Party | Position |
|---|---|
| JD(U) | Raised concerns |
| LJP | Reservation demand |
| Others | Various objections |
Government Response
Quick withdrawal:
Official Position
| Statement | Content |
|---|---|
| Withdrawal | UPSC asked to cancel |
| Explanation | Need for consultation |
| Future | Review promised |
| Sensitivity | Acknowledged |
Previous Hires
Existing lateral entrants:
Current Status
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Numbers | ~60 hired since 2019 |
| Positions | Various levels |
| Performance | Mixed reviews |
| Status | Serve out terms |
Constitutional Framework
Legal dimensions:
Reservation Law
| Provision | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Article 16(4) | Reservation enabling |
| SC judgments | Quota in government |
| Policy | Implementation varies |
Administrative Reform
Debate continues:
Arguments For
| Point | Claim |
|---|---|
| Expertise | Domain specialists |
| Fresh perspective | Private sector experience |
| Efficiency | Modern management |
Arguments Against
| Point | Claim |
|---|---|
| Bureaucracy | Career service value |
| Accountability | Government ethos |
| Training | IAS preparation |
Political Implications
Electoral considerations:
Analysis
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| OBC votes | Key constituency |
| SC/ST | Significant electorate |
| Opposition | United front |
| Government | Quick retreat |
Looking Ahead
Future of scheme:
Possibilities
- Modified with reservation
- Limited scope reintroduction
- Abandoned entirely
- Alternative mechanisms
The lateral entry controversy highlighted the political sensitivity of reservation policies in Indian governance reforms.
