UPSC announces 45 lateral entry posts across all ministries

He Modi Government The government is expected to recruit 45 specialists for key positions such as joint secretaries, directors and undersecretaries in various central ministries. This move is part of a broader initiative to recruit new talent and improve the efficiency of governance. Traditionally, these positions are held by central government officials. Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), and others Group A Services.

The Union Public Service Commission (Public Service Commission of the Union) announced on Saturday 45 positions (10 assistant secretaries and 35 directors/undersecretaries) to be filled through lateral recruitment, according to an official. It is the largest lateral recruitment process the Center has undertaken.

“The Government of India has invited applications for lateral recruitment of officers at the level of Joint Secretary and Director/Deputy Secretary. Accordingly, talented and motivated Indian citizens who wish to contribute towards nation building to join the Government at the level of Joint Secretary or Director/Deputy Secretary are invited to apply online…” the advertisement reads.

Vacancies in different Ministries/Departments based in New Delhi, will be filled on contract basis (on deputation to officers of States/UT cadre, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Autonomous Bodies, Statutory Organisations, Universities, Recognised Research Institutes) for a period of three years (extendable to five years depending on performance) through website https://www.upsconline.nic.in by September 17, it said.

According to a PTI report, the new initiative envisages appointment of 10 joint secretaries in various ministries including Home, Finance and Steel. Besides, 35 posts of director and deputy secretary will be filled in ministries such as Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Civil Aviation and Information and Broadcasting, among others.

The recent recruitment of specialists through lateral entry aims to introduce new talent and fresh perspectives into government departments. Since 2018, the central government has used this approach to fill specific positions with people who possess specialist knowledge and experience in their fields, including those from the private sector. These officials play a crucial role in policy formulation and development.

To date, 63 lateral appointments have been made, of which 35 are from the private sector. Currently, 57 officials are occupying posts in various ministries and departments, according to the latest data.

The latest recruitment drive aims to fill several important posts including Joint Secretary (Policy and Plan) in the NDMA, Ministry of Home Affairs; Additional Secretary (Emerging Technologies) and Joint Secretary (Semiconductors and Electronics) in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology; Additional Secretary (Digital Economy, FinTech and Cyber ​​Security) in the Department of Financial Services; and Joint Secretary (Investment) in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.

Of the 35 posts of director and deputy secretary available, the highest number (eight) will be filled in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This is followed by three posts in the Ministry of Jal Shakti and three in the Ministry of Law and Justice, among other departments.

The posts of directors/chief officers in the ministries of Home, Education, Corporate Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, External Affairs, Steel, Finance and Social Justice and Empowerment, among others, will also be filled through lateral entry mode, the UPSC announcement said.

Eligible applicants are individuals working at comparable levels in private sector companies, consulting organizations, and international/multinational organizations, among others, with a minimum of 15 years’ experience for Assistant Secretary level positions, 10 years for Director level positions, and seven years for Deputy Secretary level positions.

The minimum and maximum age limit for JS level post is 40 and 55 years respectively and the approximate gross salary would be around Rs 2.7 lakh including transportation charges and house rent allowances.

For director posts, candidates should be between 35 and 45 years of age and a salary of around Rs 2.32 lakh. For deputy secretary posts, applicants should be between 32 and 40 years of age and will be paid a salary of around Rs 1.52 lakh. The UPSC has warned candidates to avoid providing false information or omitting important details in their application forms.

“Candidates are also cautioned that they should not in any case correct, alter or otherwise tamper with any entry in any document or its certified copy submitted by them nor should they submit any altered or fabricated document,” the Commission said.

Candidates found to have provided false information or concealed important details may face criminal prosecution and could be excluded from future recruitment processes. The government aims for a gender-balanced workforce and encourages women to apply for these positions, the announcement added.

(Contributions from the PTI)