The Importance of Reservation in Lateral Entry

Source-This post on The Importance of Reservation in Lateral Entry has been created based on the article “Lateral entry in UPSC will further distance marginalised from centres of power” published in “The Indian Express” on 22 August 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2– Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.

Context- The recent job ad for 45 senior posts by lateral entry, which lacked reservation provisions, seems to go against the Indian principle of “antyodaya which aims to uplift and include the most disadvantaged in government and judiciary. Despite progress in elections, Dalits and other marginalized groups still struggle to achieve fair representation in these areas.

 What are Potential Benefits and Concerns of lateral entry?

1) Potential Benefits-

A) Bring new and diverse perspectives

B) Introduce new approaches to understanding complex issues

C) Reflect a shift from traditional governance models

D) Incorporate technical experts

2) Concerns-

A) The ad calls for “talented and motivated Indian nationals” to help build the nation. However, history shows that without quotas, candidates from Dalit and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities are often overlooked, even if they are highly qualified.

B) A key issue with the lateral entry process is determining who qualifies as a technical or domain expert and whether these experts reflect a diverse mix of castes and social groups

C) It can reinforce the power of privileged groups and hinder efforts to give fair opportunities to those disadvantaged by their caste.

A detailed article on Lateral Entry can be read here.

D) Social justice means not just providing equal opportunities but ensuring fairness in all areas, including politics, economics, and administration. Introducing lateral entry without reservations could undermine these principles and the fairness of the recruitment process.

What should be the way forward?

1) Interviewers must approach the process with impartiality, setting aside their social and caste positions.

2) Regular assessment of the social composition of recruits should be standard practice.

3) Interventions to address social inequalities in recruitment should be implemented.

4) In Indian academia, addressing the “Not Found Suitable” (NFS) issue requires a review committee to investigate these decisions and the establishment of clear, objective criteria for eligibility and qualifications to ensure fairness and equal opportunities.

Question for practice

What are Potential Benefits and Concerns of lateral entry?