Modi Government to Introduce 25 Private Sector Experts into Key Positions

The Modi government’s ambitious plan to infuse private sector expertise into key positions within the Centre is set to see the appointment of twenty-five specialists, officials revealed today.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the appointment of three joint secretaries and twenty-two directors/deputy secretaries across various central government departments.

Traditionally, these roles have been occupied by officers from the all-India services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), and other Group A services. However, this latest wave of appointments marks a departure from convention, as it leverages the lateral entry mode, aimed at injecting fresh talent and perspectives into government operations.

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Launched in 2018, the lateral entry scheme targets recruitment at the joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary levels, which are pivotal in shaping policy decisions within the government.

Those selected through this process seamlessly integrate into the governmental framework, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness.

In June 2018, the Personnel Ministry initiated the lateral entry process by inviting applications for ten joint secretary-level positions, marking the first of its kind. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) facilitated the recruitment for these posts.

According to officials, the Commission recommended 31 candidates in October 2021 for roles including joint secretaries (3), directors (19), and deputy secretaries (9) across various central government departments.

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With the latest appointments, a total of 38 private sector specialists have joined the government through this lateral entry scheme, including 10 joint secretaries and 28 directors/deputy secretaries.

Currently, 33 such specialists, comprising eight joint secretaries, sixteen directors, and nine deputy secretaries, are actively contributing to key governmental departments. Notably, two joint secretaries have completed their full three-year tenures, indicating the scheme’s sustainability and potential for long-term impact.

The lateral entry scheme focuses on recruiting individuals with domain specializations from diverse backgrounds, including the private sector, state government, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings, ensuring a well-rounded and dynamic approach to governance.