The Modi government has announced plans to integrate 25 specialists from the private sector into crucial positions within the Central government, aiming to enhance governance efficiency. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the appointment of three joint secretaries and 22 directors/deputy secretaries across various central government departments.
Traditionally, positions such as joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries are held by officers from the all-India services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), and other Group A services. However, the recent move reflects a shift towards lateral entry, where private sector professionals are recruited into government roles to infuse fresh perspectives and expertise.
Under the lateral entry scheme, recruitments are made against the posts requiring domain specializations either from the private sector or from the state government, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings, etc. This initiative signifies the government’s commitment to leveraging external expertise to drive innovation and efficiency in governance practices.
The lateral entry scheme, initiated in 2018, focuses on recruiting individuals at the joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary levels, who play pivotal roles in policymaking. These specialists seamlessly integrate into the government system upon recruitment.
In June 2018, the Personnel Ministry invited applications for 10 joint secretary-level posts through lateral entry, with recruitments facilitated by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Furthermore, in October 2021, the Commission recommended 31 candidates for appointment as joint secretaries, directors, and deputy secretaries across central government departments.
To date, a total of 38 private sector specialists, including 10 joint secretaries and 28 directors/deputy secretaries, have joined the government. Presently, 33 specialists, comprising eight joint secretaries, 16 directors, and nine deputy secretaries, are actively contributing to various government departments. Notably, two joint secretaries have completed their full three-year tenures.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, harnessing diverse expertise to address complex challenges and drive India’s growth trajectory.
