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FSSAI gets new chairman in former agriculture secretary Ashish Bahuguna
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Wednesday, 29 July, 2015, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
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fiogf49gjkf0d The six-month long wait for the new chairperson of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is finally over. Ashish Bahuguna, former secretary, Union ministry of agriculture's name has been cleared by the Union government for the post, which has been lying vacant since January 26 this year, following earlier incumbent K Chandramouli stepping down on completion of his term.
Bahuguna, an IAS officer of 1978 batch of Rajasthan Cadre, had previously served in agriculture ministry and attained superannuation in March this year.
According to sources, 18 senior retired IAS officers had been interviewed by the health ministry for the post of the chairperson that included names like former secretary health Kesav Desiraju, and R K Jain among others.
FSSAI has a fixed term of three years for the chairperson while for the last five months the chairmanship was given to secretary, health, as additional charge. Nevertheless, last September, the ministry of health had released a circular for appointment of new FSSAI chairperson. But due to certain internal modalities, the appointment was effected only now.
Bahuguna, meanwhile, has a big task ahead as the apex food regulator is reeling under immense pressure with issues such as licensing and registration of food business operators and product approval pending for past many months. Further, he needs to strike a fine balance between ensuring food safety and safeguarding interests of the food industry, according to an industry expert.
Interestingly, just a few days ago, B P Sharma, who is currently the Union health secretary, was entrusted with the additional charge of FSSAI chairpersonship for fourth consecutive term. The Cabinet Committee on Appointments, gave him three terms in past four months.
Sharma was given the additional charge of FSSAI chairpersonship for two months on February 4, upon his appointment as secretary, health. His assignment with FSSAI then was extended on April 9 for three months, and on May 15 for another three months and now on July 20 for three months.
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