Health Department Withdraws 28 Food Safety Officers from Deputation

Quick Summary

• Government Recall of Officers: The Karnataka State Health Department has recalled 28 employees from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department where they served as Food Safety officers (FSOs) on deputation.
• reason for Recall: A government order stated that these officers lacked the prescribed educational qualifications under the Food safety and Standards Rules, 2011, at the time of their appointment or deputation. Some qualifications obtained through open or distance education where also deemed ineligible due to lack of departmental approval.
• Court Verdict: The Karnataka High Court rejected a petition by these officers seeking regularisation of their services and revision of pay scales. It was noted they were not properly recruited, appointed, or absorbed according to Cadre and Recruitment Rules, 2015.
• Directive for Reallocation: The government directed immediate repatriation of the officers to their parent department (Health and Family Welfare) with reassignment through counselling. Until further orders, Taluk Health Officers (THOs) will temporarily handle food safety enforcement functions after undergoing required training.
• Deputation Limit Exceeded: Principal Secretary Harsh Gupta cited that eight years is the maximum permissible deputation period under Karnataka Civil Services Rules (1977), which these officers had already completed.

Published – July 26, 2025

Indian Opinion Analysis

this administrative decision highlights significant procedural compliance issues within public service appointments. Ensuring adherence to educational qualification standards is critical in legally sensitive roles like food safety enforcement under stringent laws such as the Food Safety and Standards Act (2006). The government’s move appears driven by legal propriety concerns alongside limiting potential liabilities arising from statutory violations.

The high court’s rejection underscores systemic gaps in recruitment practices that cannot retroactively cover irregularities during earlier deputations-including using unapproved degrees. While transferring responsibilities temporarily to qualified Taluk Health Officers addresses operational continuity, it emphasizes a broader challenge around capacity-building efforts in specialized regulatory sectors like food safety.

Administrative actions such as these serve both corrective functions and a precedent-setting role-reinforcing principles where accountability remains tied closely with qualification-based meritocracy within governance systems.

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