Indianmandarins had reported on April 25 (weblink below) with a caption 'Lateral entry in JS level may soon become a reality'. And finally, it has turned out to be true, after Department of Personnel (DOPT) advertised 10 posts in Joint Secretary rank in key ministries. The notification reads: 'The Govt of India invites talented and motivated Indian nationals willing to contribute towards nation building to join the Government at the level of Joint Secretary'. Reportedly, the number of posts marked for lateral entry and the terms of appointment, etc were finally ratified in the second week of May this year. Posts advertised, for various departments, include: Department of Revenue; Department of Financial Services; Department of Economic Affairs; Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; Ministry of Road Transport & Highways; Ministry of Shipping; Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change; Ministry of New & Renewal Energy, Ministry of Civil Aviation; and Department of Commerce. Government had made its intent clear in January 2016 and 2017 itself by appointing P Parameshwaran Ayer (Retd IAS:1983:UP) and later Dr Rajesh Kotecha as Union Secretary in the Departments of Drinking Water & Sanitation and Ministry of Aayush respectively. WebLink:- https://indianmandarins.com/lateral-entry-in-js-dsdir-level-may-soon-become-a-reality/