By Elton Gomes
In a bid to attract talent from the private sector, the government is inviting applications for 10 posts of joint secretaries in various ministries under its lateral entry scheme.
The ministry of personnel stated that it was looking for 10 outstanding persons who have sufficient expertise in sectors such as financial services, revenue, economic affairs, agriculture, cooperation, amongst several others.
According to the criteria finalised by the government, the incumbent should be above 40 years on July 1 and should be a graduate from a recognised university or institute. Higher qualifications would act as an added advantage for applicants.
Successful applicants will be appointed for a period of three years. However, this can be extended up to five years by the government. Selected applicants will be offered a salary of Rs 1.44-2.18 lakh per month, and will also receive additional allowances and facilities as applicable to the equivalent level in the Central government. Interested candidates should apply online before July 20.
A statement released by the government mentioned that joint secretaries are at a crucial level of senior management in the government. It added that the newly-appointed joint secretaries will lead policy making as well as implementation of various programmes and schemes of the department assigned to them.
Who can apply
Officers of any state or union territory who are currently working at an equivalent level or are eligible for appointment to an equivalent level in their cadre are eligible to apply for these posts.
Individuals working in public sector undertakings, independent bodies, statutory organisations, universities and other recognised research institutes and who have minimum 15 years work experience are also eligible to apply. Such applicants will be appointed on deputation in line with their parent department.
The NITI Aayog
Government think-tank NITI Aayog suggested the move to the Centre. NITI Aayogs chief Amitabh Kant was of the opinion that the move will see an inflow of fresh ideas. He said, They bring in a vast number of fresh and vibrant ideas. This move in the government was long overdue & I welcome it. Will catalyse UPSC entrants to specialize.
However, the move did not augur well with others. CPI(M) MP T.K. Rangarajan said, Bad and Dangerous move – Government has invited application for 10 posts of Joint secretaries in different ministries under lateral entry. Schemes. I strongly oppose the move by passing Regular Route to bring RSS cadet in… Reservation is main casualty, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Elton Gomes is a staff writer at Qrius