Despite challenges, Centre's 'lateral entry' programme gains traction

This recruitment programme has received enthusiastic responses from the private sector

In May, a list of 20 lateral recruitments to middle and senior levels of central government service was issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It created no stir, a reflection of how such recruitments appear to have become institutionalised.

Yet the process of regular lateral recruitments is fairly recent. In 2019, the Narendra Modi-led government had begun with fanfare the process of lateral recruitment to middle and senior levels of service. Ten posts of joint secretaries were advertised of whom seven have lasted their three-year term and were given extensions for another two years. In 2020, 30 posts