NEW DELHI: The government’s offer to let outsiders join the bureaucracy at a senior level has received a poor response, with just 4,000 applications coming in.
The aim was to recruit talented and motivated people on a three-year contract, extendable upto five years, and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) invited applications for 10 posts at the joint-secretary level. July 30 was the deadline to apply.
When announced two months ago, the scheme generated much debate, with many criticising it. Some claimed it would only open the door for political appointments in government departments.
But hardly any prominent personalities have applied, a source said, adding that some retired government officials and experts from various fields have sent in their names.On why the turnout was so low, a senior government official said many people working in corporate houses believe there would be political interference in the recruitment process and hence they wouldn’t stand a chance.
Human-resource experts said most people don’t want to take risks at the age of 40-45. “There are many reasons. People are not coming forward as many working in corporate houses don’t want to join the government set up. Visit any good corporate office and a government department and you can see the difference. Many also believe it would not be easy to work with bureaucrats who have been there for years,” said Prashant Jha, business lead, Laksh Human Resource.