Realigning Bazaar, Sarkar, and Samaj

The government has withdrawn the lateral-entry TH scheme under pressure from political forces complaining it would reduce opportunities for "backward classes" to serve in higher levels of government.

In its defence, the government's supporters point out that lateral entry had been proposed by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era. Also, the Congress was appointing lateral entrants on an ad hoc basis at very high levels whenever it was in power. The aim of the lateral-entry scheme of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, which the current government has followed, was to inject new competencies at the level of joint secretaries in the government.

The suitability of the lateral-entry scheme cannot be judged by who came up with the idea. It must be evaluated based on whether it is the right solution for improving governance and the wellbeing of citizens. Governments of all countries must solve many societal, environmental, and economic problems. These are listed in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that all governments have agreed to achieve by 2030. Fundamentally, these goals aim to increase the pace of inclusion of people left behind by the free-market juggernaut and to reverse the environmental damage it is causing.

The Indian economy has become one of the most unequal in the world. Citizens from all religions and castes are demanding reservations for opportunities. A majority is being left behind. The number of people wanting protection of their rights for education and employment has crossed 50 per cent. India is also one of the most environmentally stressed countries in the world, with depleting sources of fresh water, the most polluted cities, and deteriorating soil in its most productive agricultural areas.

The challenge for governance in the 21st century lies in a misalignment of the institutions of the Bazaar (market), Samaj (citizens), and Sarkar (the government).