FSSAI Appoints Rajit Punhani as CEO, Replacing GKV Rao

Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has taken charge as CEO of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). With over three decades of administrative experience, Punhani has worked on reforms in public policy, finance, health, energy, and governance. Prior to this role, he served as Secretary of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and CEO of Sansad TV. Punhani holds an MBA in Finance from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has taken charge as CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). With over three decades of administrative experience, Punhani has worked on reforms in public policy, finance, health, energy, and governance. Prior to this role, he served as Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and CEO of Sansad TV. Punhani holds an MBA in Finance from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

This leadership change comes amid the Supreme Court’s direction to the central government to finalize and implement updated food labeling regulations. These regulations mandate that packaged food products prominently display key nutritional information such as total sugar, salt, and saturated fat content. The FSSAI was initially required to complete this by July but was granted an extension until October to submit the expert committee’s report.

Punhani’s extensive background in public policy and finance positions him well to navigate the complexities of implementing these new regulations. His experience in administrative roles across various sectors will be crucial in ensuring the effective and efficient enforcement of these standards.

The appointment of Rajit Punhani as FSSAI CEO is a significant move that underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing food safety and transparency. As the authority moves towards finalizing the new labeling rules, Punhani’s leadership will be pivotal in ensuring compliance and public trust in the food safety standards.

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/rajit-punhani-takes-charge-as-fssai-chief-125090101177_1.html
[2] https://www.peoplematters.in/news/appointments/ias-officer-rajit-punhani-takes-charge-as-fssai-ceo-43239