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After re-employment row, the central government is redrafting rules for DCGI’s appointment. The latest draft rules seek a technically stronger model
DCGI Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi. (file)
The Union health ministry has initiated a formal overhaul of the recruitment rules for the position of apex drug regulator of India, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), News18 has learnt.
The changes come at a time when the leadership of India’s top drug regulatory agency, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), is under scrutiny.
The move follows months of transition at the CDSCO where the government extended the tenure of its chief – incumbent DCGI – “keeping the recruitment rules in abeyance.”
The government has also defended its decision to re-employ outgoing Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi as DCGI on a one-year contract, arguing that there was “no suitable successor” ready and that leaving the post vacant “would adversely impact the industry”.
According to the notice issued by the ministry on 17 November, officials are “examining a proposal for Amendment in Recruitment Rules for the post of Drugs Controller (India)” and have prepared draft rules that stakeholders may respond to by email or written submission. The draft describes the DCGI as a “Level-14 position” in the pay matrix with one sanctioned post subject to workload variation.
Why the move holds significance
The position of DCGI is very crucial for the health of every Indian citizen. From medicines to vaccines and medical devices, the approval for testing, manufacturing, marketing, export, and import is dependent on DCGI.
The move takes place during the proceedings in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, where a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) had questioned the Centre’s decision to re-employ outgoing DCGI Raghuvanshi after his superannuation. In its response to the court, the government defended the one-year re-employment, saying there was “no suitable successor” available and that leaving the post vacant “would adversely impact the industry”.
The notice said, “…draft recruitment rules have been prepared…Before finalising the same, comments, if any, are invited from all stakeholders in the matter within a period of thirty days from the date of this notification…”
“The comments/objections/suggestions received from the stakeholders within the specified period shall be considered by the ministry as per rules/requirements before finalising the recruitment rules.”
What are the changes?
The draft rules mark a major departure from the existing recruitment framework for the DCGI post. The educational eligibility has been widened and made more technical: instead of the earlier focus on pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences or medicine, the draft prescribes a master’s degree in a range of engineering, biotechnology, life-science or pharmaceutical disciplines, or a medical degree with specialisation in clinical pharmacology or microbiology, with an addition of PhD listed as “desirable”. Experience requirements have been added and tightened to a mandatory 15 years in drug or device manufacturing, testing, regulation, clinical trials or enforcement. It also sets a maximum age of 58 years for appointment through deputation from the earlier limit of 56 years.
There are several other changes such as the addition of the word “administration” in paragraphs under subhead of deputation: “Officers under the central or state government or union territories ‘administration’ or public sector undertakings or semi-government or recognised government university…”
Together, these changes narrow the eligible pool, raise technical thresholds and formalise a more structured route for selecting India’s top drug regulator.
Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective.
She is particular…Read More
Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective.
She is particular… Read More
November 18, 2025, 2:39 PM IST
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