This approach of lateral entry
into the government has worked well in countries such as the us and UK. if
implemented comprehensively, it will help bring in fresh ideas and new
approaches to governance here too. DEVASHISH SHARMA, founding member of
PeopleStrong, an HR firm
Not
all government jobs require an entrance exam. Lateral entry allows qualified
candidates — those with a relevant graduate or postgraduate degree, and / or
experience in the field — to bypass the civil service exams and directly
interview for consultant positions.
“Such
candidates can apply for positions in government bodies such as NITI Aayog, the
National Skills Development Council and Quality Council of India,” says Luis
Miranda, member of the governing council at the Indian School of Public Policy.
“If there is an opening for the position of a risk management consultant in
these institutions, for instance, MBAs and chartered accountants are accepted.
If there is a vacancy for the position of an urban planning consultant, your
architecture degree could help you get a job.”
Right now, the
job profiles available are a bit scattered, says Devashish Sharma, founding
member and chief of strategic accounts and alliances at PeopleStrong, a human
resource solutions firm.
“Most of these
jobs are for consultants, but there are also positions open for fellows and
even joint secretaries in certain departments.”
In June last
year, the central government invited lateral entry applications for 10 joint
secretary positions from “individuals with expertise in the areas of revenue, financial
services, economic affairs, agriculture, road transport and highways, new and
renewable energy, civil aviation, and commerce”.
“This approach
of lateral entry into the government has worked well in countries such as the
US and UK,” says Sharma. “If implemented more comprehensively, it could help
bring in fresh ideas and new approaches to governance.” CORRIDORS OF POWER
Towards that end, the Indian School of Public Policy, a Delhibased private
institute, will launch its flagship programme in policy design and management
in August.
“The one-year
Master’s equivalent course will help students learn about what the government
is looking for in lateral entry candidates, and what such a job would entail.
Students will learn leadership skills, administration and communication,”
Miranda says.
Faculty will
include senior academics, policy experts and former administrators. “The plan
is to have students placed with government organisations, consulting firms,
thinktanks and maybe even run for election at the end of the programme.”
Graduates can
also apply directly for fellowship programmes such as the state government’s
Chief Minister Fellowship Programme and the fellowship programme of the Indian
Council for Cultural Relations.
The central
government also launched the India Smart Cities fellowship and the Delhi
government announced an Urban Leadership Fellowship last year.
Before
deciding to make the move, make sure it’s the right one for you. “These jobs
are generally contractual, so you may not get the desired career growth, and
you also will likely not get the type of job security that generally comes with
a government position,” says Sharma. “Secondly, you should know that it’s very
different from working in a corporate setup. There are processes in place and intricate
protocols to follow. There is considerably less democracy and much stronger
power structures in place.”
Source: Hindustan Times dated January 16, 2019
