NEW DELHI: Want to join the government after years of sharpening your professional skills in the private sector? The Centre has just opened a window for lateral entry of outstanding individuals. In all, 10 positions at the joint secretary level in various Central government ministries are up for grabs.
You ought to be at least 40 years of age and the salary on offer is not too bad: between Rs 1,44,200 and Rs 2,18,200 per month, including allowances and facilities applicable to an equivalent level at the Centre.
If selected, you will get a three-year contract, but it can be extended up to five years based on performance.
Lateral entry is open to candidates from the state administration, PSUs, autonomous bodies and private sector organisations as well as international/multinational organisations. In the case of government officials, they shall be appointed on deputation, while candidates from the private sector will be hired on contract.
“It will bring the best of the talents available outside and complement the huge talent already in the government,” former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said. Das is a 1980 batch IAS officer of the TN cadre.
However, the Opposition saw in it a plot to fill IAS ranks with party cadre and undermine reservation.
“Why are time-tested UPSC and SSC being sought to be undermined? To fill IAS ranks with Sanghis and undermine reservation too, in the BJP’s last few months in office,” alleged CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury.
Describing the job profile, the advertisement said: “A Joint Secretary is the head of the wing under the charge of Secretary of the Ministry/ Department and he/she reports to Additional Secretary/ Secretary. Joint Secretaries are at a crucial level of senior management in the Government of India. They lead policymaking as well as the implementation of various programmes and schemes of the Department.”