Rajit Punhani takes charge as CEO of FSSAI

Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, took charge as Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, on Monday. An Economics (Hons) graduate from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, Punhani has done MBA in Finance from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

According to news agency reports, Punhani joins the organisation at a time when FSSAI is trying to implement the rollout of front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) rules as mandated by the Supreme Court. FOBs have been asked to display sugar, salt and saturated fat content prominently on their labels.

He brings with him over three decades of administrative experience across the Centre, states and international platforms, with a proven record of leading reforms in public policy, finance, social security, taxation, health, energy, security and governance.

Until recently, Punhani served as Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, where he oversaw initiatives to align the skilling ecosystem with industry demands and global competitiveness. Prior to that he was Secretary, Rajya Sabha and CEO of Sansad TV.

Earlier, he played a pivotal role in launching a pension and insurance scheme for over 450-million unorganised sector workers, spearheaded the world’s largest maternal messaging service, and contributed substantially to the Committee on Indirect Taxes, which laid the foundation for India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST). His administrative career spans diverse roles such as District Magistrate and Dy Development Commissioner in the aspirational districts of Bihar. He also served as the Principal Secretary in the Government of Bihar, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and as a diplomat and representative to the European Union.

According to the pres release, his leadership will be crucial in bridging policy, enforcement and innovation, ensuring India’s food economy grows in a way that is safe, sustainable and inclusive.