Government extends contracts of 17 lateral entry officials

The officials were initially recruited for three years. Their tenures, which were to end between December 2024 and February 2025, have been extended by one to two years till March 2027.

The Union government has extended the contracts of 17 officials in the rank of joint secretaries, directors and a deputy secretary who were hired through the lateral entry mode in 2021 and 2022 by up to two years, a government order said on Tuesday.

The officials were initially recruited for three years. The new order said that their tenures, which were to end between December 2024 and February 2025, have been extended by one to two years till March 2027. At least 10 officials are from the private sector, while seven others are on deputation from other government departments. 

Earlier in August, the Union Public Service Commission cancelled the lateral recruitment for 45 posts of joint secretary, director and deputy secretary levels on the directions of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) following an outrage over the lack of quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

DoPT said that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension of tenure of the lateral entry officers (on deputation/contract) beyond the date of completion of their respective tenures of three years on the same terms and conditions as applicable during their initial appointment.

The officials are posted in the Ministries and Departments of revenue, health, agriculture, commerce, legal affairs, financial services, economic affairs, road transport and highways, steel, heavy industry, promotion of industry and internal trade, food and public distribution. 

Since 2019, 63 posts have been filled through the lateral route. At least seven officials quit their jobs midway. The positions are open to candidates from the private sector, State government and public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, statutory organisations, universities, and recognised research institutes. The tenure can range from three to five years.

Published - December 18, 2024 12:19 am IST