Rajit Punhani Appointed CEO of FSSAI

Shri Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, officially took charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on 1st September 2025. His appointment marks a major administrative transition at a time when India is intensifying its focus on food safety, public health, and regulatory modernization.

Vast Administrative Experience Across Sectors

With over three decades of civil service experience, Rajit Punhani has held key leadership positions at the Centre, state level, and international platforms. Known for his reform-driven governance, his past contributions span a wide spectrum of policy areas including,

• Public finance, taxation, and social security
• Health, energy, and governance reforms
• Security and international diplomacy

He has previously served as,

• Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, aligning skilling initiatives with industry trends and global benchmarks
• Secretary, Rajya Sabha and CEO, Sansad TV, enhancing institutional communication and legislative engagement

Key Policy Contributions

Rajit Punhani’s tenure in various ministries has been marked by impactful reform efforts,

• He launched a pension and insurance scheme covering over 450 million workers in the unorganised sector
• Spearheaded the world’s largest maternal messaging program, aimed at improving maternal health outcomes
• Was an integral part of the Committee on Indirect Taxes, which played a foundational role in establishing India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework

On-the-Ground and Global Experience

His career also includes grassroots and international roles,

• Served as District Magistrate and Deputy Development Commissioner in aspirational districts of Bihar
• Held senior positions such as Principal Secretary in the Bihar government and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs
• Represented India as a diplomat to the European Union, gaining valuable international exposure in governance and trade relations

Key Takeaways

• 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