NEW DELHI: The Government of India wants 'talented and motivated' Indians to contribute to nation building by joining it as a Joint Secretary . Some 6,077 candidates have shown interest and sent in their applications to the 10 posts advertised.

The norm so far has been that the posts of joint secretaries are manned by the IAS , IPS, IFS, IRS officers recruited through civil services examination conducted by the UPSC.

LATERAL ENTRY: There is presently a shortage of joint secretary level officers at the Centre (there are about 5,004 IAS officers, against the strength of 6,500). Plus, the government is keen to "bring in fresh ideas and new approaches to governance". The move is similar to what is taking place in the United States where the country's president is allowed to nominate people from the industry at various levels of the government. Private sector talent is thus allowed to join the government on a contractual basis.

THE REQUIREMENT: The government wants professionals with 15 years of experience in one of these areas: revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture, road transport, shipping, environment, renewable energy, civil aviation and commerce.

THE PERKS: Contract of three years, extendable to five years. Salary: Rs 1.44 lakh to Rs 2.18 lakh a month plus allowances of a central government employee.

