NEW DELHI, Feb. 12 -- Since 2018, there have been 63 lateral entry appointments in various ministries in the Union government at positions such as joint secretary, director, and deputy secretary, among others, Union minister of state for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

"So far, 63 appointments have been made at the level of Joint Secretary/ Director/ Deputy Secretary on contract/deputation basis in various Government Departments through lateral entry since 2018. These appointments have been made for specific assignments, keeping in view their specialized knowledge and expertise in the domain area," said a statement by the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions....