Government Embraces Expertise with Lateral Entry Appointments

Since 2018, 63 specialists from both public and private sectors joined various government departments through lateral entry. These appointments cater to specific assignments, leveraging the individuals' specialized expertise. The initiative includes positions at joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary levels. Details of category-wise appointments were not maintained.

Since 2018, a total of 63 specialists have been appointed to various government departments through lateral entry, as revealed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Lateral entry, allowing experts from the private sector to work in government roles, accommodates niche expertise for specific assignments. According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, this move has led to 63 appointments at the levels of joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary, enhancing departmental operations with specialized knowledge.

The appointments were strategically made in years: eight in 2019, 30 in 2021, and 25 in 2023. However, data regarding the community background of appointees, such as those belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities, was not maintained, aligning with a Supreme Court ruling. This initiative reflects a broader trend toward embracing specialized talent in governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)