8th Pay Commission seeks views on lateral entry expansion; employees and pensioners respond

While we have covered some of the interesting questions from the questionnaire and employees' responses to them in the past, today's article looks at a query related to lateral entry and how two organisations representing employees and pensioners, respectively, responded to it.

What the 8th CPC has asked about lateral entry

In the last few years, the government has experimented with contractual appointments in the form of lateral entry. The 8th Pay Commission has asked whether lateral entry should be expanded at middle/higher levels to tap a bigger talent pool.

"Contractual appointments in the form of lateral entry have been tried during the last few years. Do you think this should be expanded, and other practices, such as part-time work, flexi time, etc. be introduced in the Government at middle/ higher levels to tap a bigger talent pool? What could be the pros and cons of doing so?" the 8th CPC asked.

What employees and pensioners say

In their response to the 8th CPC, the Railways Senior Citizens Welfare Society )RSCWS) warned against "excessive contractual appointments".

It said, "Excessive contractual appointments may weaken long-term pension security and institutional integrity. Stable career progression ensures predictable pension outcomes and strengthens administrative accountability."

"The 8th CPC presents a historic opportunity to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to its retirees, along with commitment of the existing workforce who would look forward to secure pensioners' benefits on retirement. Pensioners are nation-builders who have already rendered lifelong service. Financial security in old age is not merely an economic issue but a moral obligation of the State," it said further.

The All India Federation of Defence Workers (AIFDW) said, "Contractual or outsourced arrangements also carry the risk of job insecurity and exploitation of workers, which is not consistent with the principles of fair employment that the Government itself seeks to uphold."

Trade unions and employee organizations have consistently maintained that large-scale reliance on contractual appointments, outsourcing or lateral entry in regular Government functions may lead to erosion of institutional capacity, lack of accountability and disparities in service conditions.

However, the AIFDW said that a limited arrangement could be allowed for specialised expertise.

"While specialized expertise may occasionally be required in highly technical or advisory roles, such arrangements should remain limited, transparent and strictly need-based, without affecting the established system of regular recruitment and career progression in Government services," the AIFDW said.

"Regarding practices such as part-time work or flexi-time, these may be examined in a limited manner for certain specialized assignments, provided they do not undermine the efficiency, discipline and responsibility associated with public service," it added.