In response, BJP officials have highlighted that the concept of lateral entry was introduced during the tenure of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA). They assert that Gandhi's criticism is contradictory, as the framework for lateral entry was established under the Congress government. BJP spokespersons argue that this critique serves as a diversion from the party's own legacy in implementing and supporting the scheme.
The lateral entry policy, initially advocated by the Congress government in 2015, aimed to infuse the civil services with expertise from various fields, including management and finance. This policy was designed to enhance the efficiency of government operations by incorporating skilled professionals from outside the traditional civil services. Despite the initial support for the policy, it has faced significant opposition from various quarters, including within the bureaucracy.
Proponents of lateral entry, including several current and former officials, argue that it brings much-needed expertise and innovation to government roles, which are often criticized for being outdated and inefficient. They claim that the inclusion of professionals from diverse sectors can help address complex governance challenges with fresh perspectives and advanced problem-solving skills.
Critics of the policy, however, argue that it undermines the established recruitment process for civil services, which is based on rigorous examinations and a meritocratic selection process. They express concerns that lateral entry could diminish the effectiveness of the civil services by bypassing the traditional route that ensures a deep understanding of public administration.
The debate over lateral entry has become a point of contention in the broader political discourse, with parties leveraging it to criticize each other's policies and governance approaches. BJP's current strategy involves emphasizing the continuity of policies across different administrations and calling out what they perceive as hypocrisy in Congress's current stance.
The ongoing debate also reflects broader tensions within Indian politics about the balance between modernizing government practices and preserving traditional structures. As the conversation around lateral entry continues, it remains a contentious issue, revealing deeper divisions on how best to reform and manage public administration in India.
With both parties using the issue to advance their political narratives, the future of lateral entry and its impact on the civil services remain subjects of significant debate and scrutiny.