The Government of India has announced lateral entry to the position of Joint Secretary (JS) in ten (10) departments. The 2nd ARC had recommended that a Central Civil Services authority be setup and lateral entry be extended to certain positions at the level of Additional Secretary & above. The Government of India announced lateral entry in ten (10) departments. The selected ones will join the government at the Joint Secretary (JS) level. It has to be remembered that the Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) has in the past recommended lateral entry to senior positions, at the level of Additional Secretary (AS) & above. Ten (10) at the level of JS will be inducted The government in its advertisement says that this proposal of lateral entry is aimed at bringing in fresh ideas and new approaches to governance and also to augment manpower. It has invited applications from candidates who have expertise in specific areas of Revenue, Financial Services, Economic Affairs, Agriculture, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Environment & Forests, New & Renewable Energy, Civil Aviation and Commerce. Following are the broad eligibility criteria. The government has asked interested candidates to apply online by 30 th July 2018. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interaction with the selection committee. No other details like the selection criteria, process etc. have been disclosed by the government. What did the 2nd ARC recommend? The 2nd ARC in its 10th report titled ‘Refurbishing of Personnel Administration’ had made relevant recommendations regarding lateral entry to senior government positions. This report was submitted in the year 2008. Among other things, the report noted the following with specific reference to lateral entry. In its report, the ARC recommended the creation of a Central Civil Services Authority, a five-member body. This authority would earmark positions, for which outside talent could be considered in consultation with the government. These positions should be for Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) & above (additional secretary or above levels). These positions, the ARC recommended would be open to eligible persons from the open market as well as to those currently serving in the government. The NITI Aayog, in its 3-year action agenda had also recommended lateral entry in areas requiring specialised knowledge. Lateral entry is required, but with a transparent selection process There is broad agreement that lateral entry is required for specialized positions, especially in the light of technological advances & complex governance issues that the governments have to deal with. At the same time, the government must ensure a highly transparent selection process so that only the deserving ones get through.