Govt efficiency suggestions: Not everybody is cheering

bangalore: two suggestions of the administrative reforms commission -- lateral entry of professionals from private companies to the state government and efficiency bar test for officials -- have evoked mixed response among ias and kas officers. the karnataka state government employees' association is also opposed to the proposal. those who oppose the lateral entry cite the government rules which prohibit outsiders becoming part of the administrative machinery in the day-to-day functioning.``professionals from private agencies are not governed under official secrets act which is binding even on an ordinary clerk. the move is not wise,'' a kas officer told the times of india. an ias officer shared his views. ``playing a peripheral role of an adviser to the government on a specific subject is welcome. but making them part of the bureaucracy is not correct.'' the efficiency test to determine officials' continuance in service has been welcomed. but there is scepticism on who will be the panel's members and the manner in which the test is conducted. a kas officer said: ``if efficiency test is done by our superiors, there is a possibility of bias creeping in. if it is conducted in a professional manner where our bosses have no role to play, then it is welcome.'' on lateral entry, two ias officers, who are deputy commissioners, said the human resources development in the government ``is nil'' and the need of the hour is to have persons who can come up with innovative ideas and commitment to make the system more effective and dynamic. ``the official secrets act rules are pretexts. the concept of this act is undergoing a change due to the right to information act. this act should be confined to defence and external affairs. the lateral entry is to social sectors such as health and education. what great state secrets can these departments have,'' an ias officer asked. however, efficiency test is not a new concept. there is a provision in the rules to review officers' performance every 20 years and recommend if they should be continued in service. but lateral entry is new and karnataka will be the pioneer in this field if implemented.