
At least 25 specialists from the private sector are set to assume key roles within the Centre, as part of the government’s initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance governance, as reported by PTI, citing officials. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit the appointment of three joint secretaries and 22 directors/deputy secretaries across various central government departments.
Typically, positions such as joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries are held by officers from the all-India services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS), as well as other Group A services. However, the recent recruitment drive aims to infuse fresh talent and perspectives into government operations through the lateral entry mechanism, which entails the appointment of private sector professionals in government departments, officials revealed.
The lateral entry scheme, introduced in 2018, facilitates the recruitment of officers to fill joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary positions, where they will play pivotal roles in policymaking. Once absorbed through this mechanism, these officers become integrated into the government system.
According to officials, a total of 38 private sector specialists, comprising 10 joint secretaries and 28 directors/deputy secretaries, have already transitioned into government roles. In June 2018, the Personnel Ministry initiated the lateral entry mode by inviting applications for 10 joint secretary-rank positions, with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) overseeing the recruitment process.
In 2021, the UPSC recommended 31 candidates for appointment as joint secretaries (3), directors (19), and deputy secretaries (9) across various central government departments, as per the officials. Presently, there are 33 such specialists, including eight joint secretaries, 16 directors, and nine deputy secretaries, actively contributing within key government departments, they added, noting that two joint secretaries have completed their full three-year tenure.