Who Is Tukaram Mundhe? IAS Officer Behind Maharashtra FDA’s Crackdown Now at Centre of Transfer Row

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has once again found himself in the spotlight after allegations made in the Maharashtra Assembly triggered a political controversy over his possible transfer. The debate began after NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Jitendra Awhad alleged that an "international drug lobby" had collected Rs 250 crore to secure Mundhe's transfer, prompting support for the IAS officer from across party lines.

The Maharashtra government has denied any immediate plans to transfer Mundhe. Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal told the Assembly there was "no question" of removing the officer and described his work as effective. The controversy has renewed public attention on Mundhe, one of Maharashtra's most recognised bureaucrats, known for his strict administrative style and repeated transfers. Why Maharashtra FDA Is Launching a Massive Crackdown on 4.5 Lakh Food Outlets.

Who Is Tukaram Mundhe?

Tukaram Haribhau Mundhe is a 2005-batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre who has built a reputation for uncompromising governance and strict enforcement of rules. He comes from a small farming family. His father, Haribhau Mundhe, was a marginal farmer, while his mother, Asarabai Mundhe, managed the household through difficult financial circumstances.

Before and after attending a Zilla Parishad school, Mundhe worked on his family's farm. He later completed his graduation and postgraduate studies in political science from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University before securing an All India Rank of 20 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2004. Maharashtra TET 2026 Cancelled Following Question Paper Leak in Thane Day Before Exam; Case Registered.

Over the past two decades, Mundhe has served in several key administrative roles across Nanded, Washim, Jalna, Solapur, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur and Pune. His assignments have included Assistant Collector, District Collector, Municipal Commissioner, Chairman and Managing Director of PMPML, along with several other senior government positions.

As Solapur Collector, he was credited with reforms in water management and transparent governance, earning the Maharashtra government's Best District Collector Award for 2015-16. He has also been recognised as the "Waterman of Maharashtra."

Officer Known for Frequent Transfers

Mundhe's career has also been marked by frequent transfers. His strict approach towards implementation of rules, action against irregularities and refusal to compromise has often put him at odds with vested interests. In nearly two decades of service, he has reportedly been transferred more than 24 times.

Crackdown as FDA Commissioner

Since taking charge as Maharashtra FDA Commissioner, Mundhe has overseen one of the department's most extensive enforcement drives in recent years.

Within roughly his first month in office, the FDA conducted 904 raids across the state and seized banned gutkha and pan masala worth more than Rs 34.66 crore. The department has also indicated that it may invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against organised gutkha syndicates. The FDA has expanded its enforcement beyond tobacco products.

Hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries have been instructed to provide customers with clean drinking water free of cost instead of compelling them to purchase bottled water. Hospitals have also been directed not to force patients to buy medicines exclusively from affiliated pharmacies, reiterating that patients are free to purchase medicines from any licensed medical store.

The department has simultaneously intensified action against food adulteration involving dairy products, mawa, edible oils and other food items. Online food delivery platforms and major food brands have also come under increased scrutiny over food safety compliance.

According to the department, enforcement drives have resulted in establishments being sealed, 457 people being arrested and 42 vehicles being seized.

The controversy surrounding Mundhe intensified after Jitendra Awhad raised allegations in the Maharashtra Assembly. "An international drug lobby has collected Rs 250 crore to ensure the transfer of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe," Awhad alleged.

He further claimed that influential interests in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, along with corrupt officials, were unhappy with Mundhe's action against adulteration and illegal trade. "I will reveal the names of all the big people involved in this racket in the Assembly next Monday."

The issue drew support from leaders across party lines. BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar praised Mundhe's work and said the officer should remain in the post for at least three years. Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar claimed Mundhe had received death threats and demanded enhanced security for him.

Responding to the discussion, FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal dismissed speculation over Mundhe's transfer, saying there was "no question" of removing him from the post while acknowledging infrastructure and vehicle shortages within the department.

Mundhe has also received public backing following speculation over a possible transfer after his additional charge as Parbhani's Guardian Secretary was withdrawn.

Supporters in Sangli organised protests urging the government to retain him as FDA Commissioner. Members of the Pani Sangharsh Samiti performed a milk abhishek of his portrait and submitted a memorandum seeking a minimum three-year tenure.

Supporters said his campaign against adulterated food had protected public health while safeguarding farmers' interests by acting against fake and substandard products. They maintained that the campaign was not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring an honest officer could continue his work.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2026 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).