Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has taken on the role of CEO at FSSAI to lead India’s food safety reforms and regulatory transformation.
Key Details:
- Name: Rajit Punhani
- Position: CEO, FSSAI
- Date of Assumption: 1st September 2025
- Experience: 30+ years in civil service
- Focus Areas: Food safety, public health, regulatory modernization
Administrative Experience:
Rajit Punhani has vast experience across various sectors:
- Public finance, taxation, and social security
- Health, energy, and governance reforms
- Security and international diplomacy
Key Policy Contributions:
- Launched a pension and insurance scheme for over 450 million unorganized sector workers
- Initiated the world’s largest maternal messaging program for better maternal health
- Part of the Committee on Indirect Taxes, instrumental in establishing India’s GST framework
On-the-Ground and Global Experience:
- Served as District Magistrate and Deputy Development Commissioner in Bihar
- Held senior positions in the Bihar government and Ministry of Home Affairs
- Represented India as a diplomat to the European Union
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- Full Form: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- Established under: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Type: Autonomous body
- Works under: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
- Headquarters: New Delhi
