Lateral entry refers to the selection of personnel from the private sector for administrative posts, even though they are not part of the regular bureaucratic setup
- Advantages: Brings specialized knowledge, fills IAS officer shortages, introduces efficiency and performance culture, and promotes participatory governance involving private sector and non-profits.
- Criticism : Potential outsourcing of expertise without long-term impact, profit motive conflicting with public service, and risks of conflict of interest.
- Under the lateral entry scheme launched in 2018, recruitments are made at the levels of joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary.
