New Delhi: IAS Rajit Punhani, a seasoned officer of the 1991 Bihar cadre, has taken charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Punhani succeeds Ganji Kamala V. Rao, who recently retired. Notably, the post of FSSAI CEO has been temporarily elevated to the Secretary rank within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighting the government’s emphasis on food safety governance.
With over three decades of administrative service, Punhani brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has served as Secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Secretary of the Rajya Sabha, and as CEO of Sansad TV. His state-level contributions include serving as Principal Secretary in Bihar.
An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Punhani is known for his effective handling of diverse administrative responsibilities spanning central ministries, state governance, and parliamentary institutions. His multidisciplinary background is expected to strengthen FSSAI’s regulatory capacity at a time when food safety and nutrition remain pressing concerns.
FSSAI, established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As the country’s apex food regulator, it safeguards and promotes public health by supervising and enforcing food safety standards nationwide.
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