ICAR's lateral entry for scientists sparks controversy

Many leading scientific institutes have been using lateral entry for prominent jobs ever since the Manmohan Singh government. Documents reveal that since 2007, a large number of the top scientists at the nation's top agricultural scientific institute, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), have been appointed by lateral entry, evading reservation laws.

Implementing lateral entry into government jobs is currently the subject of a controversial national debate. The central government has chosen to reverse its earlier position in the midst of fierce opposition protests, declaring that reservation laws will now be applied to recruitments made through lateral entry.

Critics claim that the reservation policy is undermined by the fact that over 2,700 senior scientists, including department heads and high-ranking officials like Deputy Director Generals (DDGs) and Additional Director Generals (ADGs), have only been hired at ICAR through interviews till now.

People who were hired through competitive exams have called for a ban on lateral entry as a result, arguing that it has a negative influence on the work culture and development of ICAR.

In support of a prohibition on lateral entry, the Agricultural Research Service Scientists Forum (ARSSF), which represents about 3,750 scientists at ICAR, filed a proposal on July 29.

The lateral entry mechanism is criticized in the resolution for encouraging dispute among scientists and producing a "toxic" work environment that reduces system effectiveness.

The resolution additionally points out that because lateral entry applicants are filling Semi RMP (Research Management Positions) and RMP jobs, scientists who have over 25 years of ICAR service and were hired through the ARS (Agricultural Scientists Recruitment) exam are being turned down for these positions.

As of July 2020, the ICAR employed 6,304 scientists. Other government departments, such as those dealing with space, atomic energy, and earth sciences, use similar recruitment techniques that are not subject to reservation regulations.

An Agriculture Ministry official said the recruitment process is complicated and requires extensive clarification. Meanwhile, ICAR has denied commenting on the current controversy.