3)The lateral entry scheme may foster more competitive spirit, break the complacency of the higher civil servants and eventually prove to be a pioneering initiative in public interest. Critically examine.(250 words)

Topic-Role of civil services in a democracy.

3)The lateral entry scheme may foster more competitive spirit, break the complacency of the higher civil servants and eventually prove to be a pioneering initiative in public interest. Critically examine.(250 words)

The hindu

Why this question

Civil services play a vital role in governing and administering a vast and diverse country like India. Civil service reforms have been taking place gradually but the pace has been slow and recently the government has flouted the proposal of admitting lateral entry at higher levels, The idea has its own pros and cons which need to be discussed.

Directive word

Critically Examine- Here we have to probe deeper into the topic,  get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. We have to bring out the positive as well as negative implications of the move and then form an opinion thereupon.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to write at length about the possible positive as well as the negative implications of the decision to allow lateral entry in civil services.  Based on our discussion, we have to form a personal opinion on the issue.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– write a few lines about the need to reform civil services in India and mention that introducing lateral entry is one such reform measure aimed at improving the quality of civil services in India.

Body-

• Discuss the positive implications/pros. E.g bringing in specialists with a different experience from outside will improve efficiency, foster competition and influence the work culture; suits the present and future needs of the economy; administration in India is laden with a host of problems which need urgent redressal; growing importance of technology and decentralized decision making etc.

• Discuss the negative implications/ deficiencies. E.g chances of political patronage being favored on the outsiders; chances of further politicization of the administration and of divide and rule by the executive; low chances of attracting talent given the vast pay disparity between govt and private sector etc.

Conclusion– Based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.