HYDERABAD: In a significant move aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight of food and medicines in Telangana, the State Government has appointed senior IPS officer Sri Avinash Mohanty, IPS (2005) as Commissioner, TG SAFE (Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs), in addition to his normal duties.
According to G.O.Rt.No.1135, dated August 6, 2026, issued by the General Administration (Spl.B) Department, the appointment follows recent government orders restructuring the Food Safety Department and Drugs Control Administration under a unified administrative framework.
The government had ordered the establishment of TG SAFE by merging the Food Safety Department and the Drugs Control Administration as a unified administration. The Commissioner, TG SAFE, has been entrusted with unified administrative control over both departments, without affecting the statutory powers and responsibilities vested under their respective Acts and Rules.
The latest notification further states that Avinash Mohanty, who was serving as Director General, Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, has been posted as Commissioner of Food Safety for the State and is now designated Commissioner, TG SAFE, in addition to his normal duties.
The government said the Commissioner will exercise the powers and perform functions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011 and Regulations, 2011.
The development assumes significance as the Drugs Control Administration and Food Safety regulatory machinery will now function under unified administrative leadership, potentially strengthening coordination and enforcement relating to medicines, essential drugs and food safety across Telangana.
The order was issued by Sanjay Jaju, Chief Secretary to Government, on behalf of the Governor of Telangana.