Among around 6000 private sector specialists who had applied for the posts of joint secretary in the central government departments, 89 have been shortlisted, reports Telangana Today.

Last June, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions had announced filling a certain number of joint secretary posts through “lateral entry”, that is, from private sector instead of civil services. The move was touted as an attempt to bring diverse talent and expertise into the government. The ministry gave the task of selecting these candidates to Union Public Service Commission in December last year.

A total of 6,077 applications were received for the advertised posts in revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture and farmers welfare, road transport and highways, shipping, environment, forest and climate change, new and renewable energy, civil aviation and commerce departments.

The candidates were also required to fill out a detailed application form (DAF) mentioning their qualifications, work experience and expertise so as to facilitate the selection process. Out of the 6,077, only 3,768 filled the DAF. After the scrutiny, 89 of these 3,768 applications have been short-listed for the interview stage.

Lateral entry in civil services has been an ambitious step of PM Modi-led government to bring fresh talent from the private sector into the government. The NITI Aayog in its report had also made a case for bringing more specialists through lateral entry on fixed-term contract.