Lateral entry into the Indian government has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding its implications for transparency in governance. As India seeks to modernize its administrative apparatus and bring in expertise from diverse fields, the process of lateral entry must be scrutinized to ensure it upholds the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Transparency is a cornerstone of good governance. It ensures that government actions are open to public scrutiny, which is essential for maintaining public trust and preventing corruption. In the context of lateral entry, transparency is crucial at multiple stages, including the selection process, the roles and responsibilities assigned to lateral entrants, and the outcomes of their contributions.
The selection process for lateral entry is perhaps the most critical aspect from a transparency perspective. To prevent the perception of favoritism or cronyism, it is essential that the process is open, competitive, and merit-based. This includes clear criteria for selection, a rigorous evaluation of candidates’ qualifications and experience, and the involvement of independent experts in the selection panels. Publicizing the selection criteria and the results of the process can further enhance transparency, ensuring that appointments are seen as legitimate and credible.
Once lateral entrants are appointed, transparency in their roles and responsibilities is equally important. Unlike career bureaucrats, who are bound by well-established service rules and norms, lateral entrants often come from diverse backgrounds with different
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