In a major decision that aims to bring “fresh ideas and new approaches” to governance besides augmenting manpower, the Narendra Modi government has sanctioned lateral entry of individuals from outside the system into the top echelon of bureaucracy.

On Sunday, the government published an advertisement inviting applications from “talented and motivated Indian nationals” for 10 joint secretary-level posts through lateral entry.

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“The Government of India has decided to invite talented and motivated Indian nationals willing to contribute towards nation-building to join the government at the level of Joint Secretary,” said a notification issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Applications have been invited from candidates with expertise in the specific areas.

READ MORE: Centre opens lateral entry in top bureaucracy, Opposition objects

The candidates appointed against the posts shall be placed at the beginning of the pay scale (level 14 of the Pay Matrix) applicable to regular government employees — i.e. Rs 1,44,200 to Rs 2,18,200, the department has posted on its website https://lateral.nic.in/.

Who is a Joint Secretary?

The Joint Secretary-level posts are held by top civil servants inducted through the rigorous multi-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). These officers make their way up to senior positions after years of experience in the government at lower levels.

The 10 posts and the departments

The 10 posts are available in the departments of revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture, road transport and highways, shipping, environment and forests, new and renewable energy, civil aviation and commerce.

The joint secretary in all the departments will be entrusted with policy formulation, implementation and administration of various programmes, schemes, projects etc. concerning the department in the area of work assigned to the selected candidate.

1. Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue

Ministry: Ministry of Finance

Minister: Arun Jaitley

The Department of Revenue exercises control in respect of matters relating to all the Direct and Indirect Union Taxes through two statutory Boards namely, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).

2. Joint Secretary, Department of Financial Services

Ministry: Ministry of Finance

Minister: Arun Jaitley

The Department of Financial Services deals with the India’s Banks, financial institutions, insurance companies and the National Pension System. Some of the government’s most ambitious schemes are handled by this department. They are: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) and the Stand-Up India Scheme.

3. Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs

Ministry: Ministry of Finance

Minister: Arun Jaitley

The Department of Economic Affairs performs the key role of preparing the Union and the Railway budgets. Budgets of states under President’s Rule and union territories are also prepared by this department. Among the key roles performed by the Department are mentoring macroeconomic policies, inflation, functioning of Capital Market, foreign investments and monitoring foreign exchange resources including balance of payments.

4. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Minister: Radha Mohan Singh

This Ministry has three departments, namely Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, and Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. The Ministry functions the primary role of ensuring the development and improvement of all agricultural resources of India.

5. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

Minister: Nitin Gadkari

One of the most important ministries of the Modi government, the primary role of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH) is to increase mobility in the country by building and maintaining roads that connect every corner of India. It also functions administrative duties through the Transport wing of the Ministry.

6. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Shipping

Minister: Nitin Gadkari

The Ministry formulates plans and policies for the effective maintenance and creation of inland waterways, maritime infrastructure such as ports, shipbuilding and repair, etc. Like MORTH, Ministry of Shipping has been one of the top performers in the four years of the Modi government.

7. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Minister: Dr Harsh Vardhan

The Ministry controls the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) cadre. It is responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes in the country. Pollution control, afforestation and administration of national parks are some of the activities undertaken by the Ministry.

8. Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy

Minister: Raj Kumar Singh

The Ministry’s primary role is working towards the transformation of the country’s current reliance on other forms of energy to new and renewable energy such as solar energy. The overall aim of the Ministry is to find ways to make India self-sufficient in energy sector and meet the country’s increasing energy needs without hurting the environment.

9. Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation

Minister: Suresh Prabhu

Organisations and PSUs such as Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited, etc. come under the administrative control of this Ministry. It also exercises administrative control over the Commission of Railway Safety.

10. Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce

Ministry: Ministry of Commerce

Minister: Suresh Prabhu

The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) is formulated, monitored and implemented by this Department. Among its responsibilities are multilateral and bilateral commercial relations, SEZs, export promotion and trade facilitation. The growth of International trade is the prime focus of this department. It is organised into nine divisions.