The Main Issue with Lateral Entry in UPSC Recruitment
The lateral entry system, which introduces professionals with specialised knowledge into government roles, isn’t inherently problematic. It doesn’t matter which party introduced the concept. The key concern is that this system should only be implemented by a government that consistently promotes and supports professionalism among the officials at the helm of government institutions.
Can Bureaucrats Uphold Democracy Amid Political Pressures?
The separation between administration and politics is crucial for a democracy, as it prevents the misuse of governmental power for political gains and ensures that public services are delivered without discrimination. When government agencies are manipulated to undermine the opposition or quell dissent, the shortcomings of the bureaucracy frequently go unnoticed.
When Officials Use Power to Silence Voices
In a recent event in Guwahati, Assam, a journalist named Dipankar Medhi allegedly faced harsh treatment from officials while simply performing his duties. The incident is undeniably a matter of media freedom; however, it also highlights the misuse of power – power entrusted to officials for serving the public, not for oppressing them.