Shri Rajit Punhani IAS (Bihar 1991) presently Secretary- Ministry of Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer- Food Safety &
Standards Authority of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare .
Shri Rajit Punhani, IAS, a distinguished officer of the 1995 batch, has recently been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Previously serving as Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Punhani brings to his new role a wealth of experience spanning more than 28 years across governance, public administration, health, finance, social welfare, and industrial development. His appointment reflects the government’s trust in his administrative capabilities, strategic vision, and commitment to effective implementation of public policies.
Shri Punhani’s educational credentials are impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics from Delhi University, graduating with First Class distinction, and a Master in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, also with First Class honors. This combination of economics and management expertise has provided him with a strong foundation to handle complex administrative challenges, policy reforms, and organizational leadership in a diverse range of sectors.
At the national level, Shri Punhani has held several key positions of responsibility. Most recently, he served as Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (2025–2027), overseeing initiatives to enhance employability, vocational training, and entrepreneurship across India. Prior to this, he served as Secretary-Equivalent, Parliamentary Affairs, Rajya Sabha (2022–2025) and as Special Secretary & Financial Advisor, Ministry of Home Affairs (October 2022), where he contributed to policy planning and administrative reforms in critical domains of national governance.
Shri Punhani’s experience also includes leadership roles in health and power sectors. He served as Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor in Home Affairs and Health & Family Welfare (2020–2022) and held the position of Chief Vigilance Officer at NTPC (2018–2019), managing complex organizational processes and promoting accountability. These roles reflect his capacity to combine operational oversight with strategic policy guidance, ensuring that public institutions function efficiently and transparently.
His tenure in Labour & Employment as Joint Secretary (2016–2018) and in Home Affairs (2014–2016) exemplifies his ability to handle policy-driven administrative work alongside sensitive human and social issues. Earlier, in his cadre of Bihar, he served in multiple capacities, including District Collector and District Magistrate of Monghyr, Buxar, Jamui, and Deoghar, gaining valuable hands-on experience in district administration, land revenue management, and rural development. His field postings provided him with a strong understanding of grassroots governance and public service delivery, shaping his approach to citizen-centric administration.
Shri Punhani has also held key assignments in finance, commerce, social welfare, agriculture, and education. He served as Joint Secretary in the Finance Department, Social Welfare, Co-operation, and State Beverages Corporation, as well as leadership roles in education and cabinet secretariat functions. These diverse assignments underscore his versatility, adaptability, and deep knowledge of administrative systems across central and state government domains.
Throughout his career, Shri Punhani has been recognized for his strategic leadership, administrative excellence, and integrity. His ability to integrate policy formulation with practical implementation has consistently delivered tangible outcomes. Whether handling industrial development, social welfare programmes, or health initiatives, he has maintained a people-centric approach while ensuring procedural efficiency and institutional strengthening.
In his new role as CEO of FSSAI, Shri Punhani assumes responsibility for regulating food safety standards, monitoring compliance, and promoting public health across India. The authority plays a crucial role in ensuring safe, nutritious, and hygienic food supply for millions of citizens. With his extensive experience in governance, policy-making, and operational leadership, he is well-positioned to enhance the efficiency, outreach, and impact of the organization.
Shri Rajit Punhani’s career reflects the journey of a dedicated civil servant who has consistently combined technical competence, strategic foresight, and ethical governance. From district administration to leadership roles in central ministries, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to public service and nation-building. His appointment at FSSAI marks a continuation of his legacy of effective administration, poised to strengthen India’s food safety framework and contribute meaningfully to public health and welfare.
INdianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Rajit Punhani the very best.