Modi Govt To Induct 25 Private Sector Specialists In Key Posts

New Delhi: The Modi government is set to welcome 25 private sector specialists into key positions within the Centre. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit the appointment of three joint secretaries and 22 directors/deputy secretaries across various central government departments.

Traditionally, these roles have been occupied by officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), and other Group A services. However, the current initiative focuses on lateral entry, inviting private sector experts to infuse new perspectives and expertise into governmental functions.

Launched in 2018, the lateral entry scheme targets appointments at the joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary levels, pivotal in policy formulation. These appointees seamlessly integrate into the government system, enriching it with their diverse backgrounds.

The initiative began with the recruitment of 10 joint secretary-rank positions through lateral entry in June 2018, facilitated by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Recently, in October 2021, the Commission recommended 31 candidates for various positions, further bolstering the initiative’s momentum.

To date, a total of 38 private sector specialists, including joint secretaries and directors/deputy secretaries, have joined government ranks. Presently, 33 specialists are actively engaged in key departments, contributing their domain expertise.

The lateral entry scheme strategically targets posts necessitating specialized knowledge from either the private sector or other governmental bodies. This initiative signifies a concerted effort towards leveraging external talent for effective governance.