The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved the First Amendment to the Haryana Food and Drugs Administration Department, Subordinate Offices (Group-B) Service Rules, 2018, with the objective of aligning state service rules with the latest guidelines issued by the Government of India and strengthening the regulatory framework governing food safety and drug administration in the state.
The amendment was necessitated following the notification issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, dated 16th January 2023, which revised the essential qualifications and experience criteria under the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011. These changes pertain specifically to key regulatory positions including Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers, and Food Analysts.
In line with the revised central norms, the Haryana Cabinet has approved corresponding changes in the state service rules to ensure uniformity and compliance. The amendments revise the eligibility conditions, including educational qualifications and professional experience requirements, for the aforementioned posts.
The step is aimed at ensuring that personnel appointed to these critical positions possess updated technical expertise and are better equipped to handle evolving challenges in food safety and drug regulation. The decision is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Food and Drugs Administration Department by ensuring that recruitment and promotions are based on contemporary standards prescribed at the national level.
Notably, the Food and Drugs Administration Department, which was carved out as an independent entity from the Health Department in January 2011, functions under the administrative control of the Health Department and is headed by the Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration.
The department is responsible for regulating food safety, drug control, and related public health standards across Haryana.