Amid ongoing controversy over lateral entry into government positions, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) halted Tuesday's recruitment process for 45 posts. The UPSC had issued an advertisement on August 7 for recruitment to positions such as Joint Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Director. This decision sparked significant political debate, particularly concerning the lateral entry appointment of Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, the brother of renowned Bollywood star Manoj Bajpayee.
Who is Sujit Kumar Bajpayee?
Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee currently serves as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). His appointment to this high-ranking position surprised many, given that he previously worked as a Senior Manager at the public sector power producer NHPC. For many, his background seemed junior for such a senior government role.
Current Lateral Entry Officers
Bajpayee joined NHPC in 2001 and served there for nearly 19 years before transitioning to a Central government role. In 2019, appointments were made for eight Joint Secretary positions under the lateral entry system. In 2022, 30 officers (including three Joint Secretaries and 27 Directors) were selected. By 2023, recruitment was recommended for 37 positions, with 20 officers—including Joint Secretaries, Directors, and Deputy Secretaries—being hired. Over the past five years, 63 appointments have been made through lateral entry, and 57 officers currently hold such positions.
What is the Lateral Entry System?
Lateral entry allows for the direct recruitment of candidates to positions typically occupied by IAS officers. Under this system, candidates are appointed directly to roles such as Joint Secretary and Director/Deputy Secretary in various ministries, departments, and organisations. Experts from the private sector in different fields are hired to fill these government roles.
