Lateral Entry 2.0: Modi Govt Brings Corporate Chiefs to Lead Key Projects for Strategic Revamp
Sources say this is not about giving up control, as policymaking will remain firmly with the government.
The Narendra Modi administration is quietly refining the machinery of governance, in what appears to be a stronger push for lateral hiring. The plan, according to News18, is to place top corporate executives and industry specialists at the core of multiple government, semi-government, and autonomous bodies.
While lateral recruitment is not new, the emphasis now is on positioning business leaders in higher-profile roles such as chairperson or vice-chairperson in entities like the Quality Control Commission, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, and organisations tied to India’s AI efforts, including Bhashini.
A senior official involved in the process explained, “The aim is to bring corporate discipline, sector-specific expertise, and fast, results-oriented execution into ministries, public sector-linked bodies, and autonomous institutions.” He stressed, however, that this is not about transferring decision-making power: “Policy will remain firmly in the hands of the government. Depending on the sector, the operational strategy, project design, and delivery mechanisms could increasingly come from leaders who have managed billion-dollar companies, overseen global supply chains, or executed complex projects ahead of time.”
Another senior officer noted that the initiative seeks to blend the institutional stability of the civil service with the sharp, goal-driven approach of corporate veterans.
While such hires have taken place in the past, the government now intends to make this a structured and continuous talent pipeline, rather than a rare experiment.
In the months ahead, more private-sector leaders are expected to head national technology missions, revive public sector enterprises, and drive flagship initiatives in infrastructure, healthcare, renewable energy, and digital governance.
“The rationale is simple,” said the second official. “India’s growth ambitions are moving at high speed, and the government wants execution to match. Public-private partnership is no longer just about financing highways or ports; it’s now about sharing knowledge, management practices, and accountability frameworks.”
If successful, this combination of seasoned bureaucrats and boardroom leaders could create a governance model that is faster, more efficient, and more adaptable—without eroding the government’s hold over policymaking.
