Lateral entry into civil services is seen as a reformative step, yet it continues to attract criticism and controversy. Discuss.

The Baswan committee for civil services reform advocated for lateral entry into civil services. Reformative steps: 1. Promote specialised experts as efficient bureaucrats 2. Ensures quality of public service via bringing experience into administration 3. Provide a holistic view in development 4. Ensure diversification of civil service.

However, there are various criticism and controversy over lateral entry due to following factors: (1) Lateral entry will lead to domination of civil services by specific interest groups. (2) Administration is not only about efficiency and expertise → It is about generalised outlook towards society for governance with empathy. (3) It dilutes the spirit of achievement oriented meritocratic society. (4) Lateral entry can lead to dilution of civil services value. Thus reforms must be brought rather than changing the entire bureaucratic structure.

— UJJWAL PRIYANK · AIR 10