Telangana Forges a New Shield for Public Health: The Rise of TG SAFE

Hyderabad, August 16, 2026 – A significant stride has been made in public health oversight here in Telangana. In a move poised to redefine how we ensure the safety of our food and medicines, the state government has officially announced the merger of its Food Safety Department and Drugs Control Department. This isn't merely an administrative reshuffle; it’s a strategic consolidation, culminating in the creation of a brand-new, unified body: the Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs, or more simply, TG SAFE.

Issued under a Government Order (GO) from the Health, Medical & Family Welfare Department, this integration comes with a clear, resounding purpose: to significantly strengthen compliance and enforcement. Let’s face it, with an ever-growing number of licensed food business operations across the state, and the perpetual challenge of combating unsafe or substandard food and drugs, a more robust and cohesive approach was not just desirable, but absolutely essential. It’s all about safeguarding the health and well-being of every citizen, ensuring that what we consume and what we rely on for healing meets the highest standards.

Leading this crucial new authority will be IPS officer Avinash Mohanty. Formerly serving as the Director General of the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, Mohanty now steps into the role of Commissioner of TG SAFE. His appointment, made through a separate GO by the General Administration Department, signals the high importance placed on this new unified structure and its mission.

Prior to this merger, the Food Safety Department operated under a dedicated Commissioner, while the Drugs Control Department had functioned independently since way back in 1981. This new arrangement streamlines what were once disparate efforts into a single, formidable force. Interestingly, Telangana isn't trailblazing completely alone here; several other Indian states have already successfully adopted similar administrative integrations, proving the efficacy of such unified oversight. What's more, the foundational legislative frameworks – the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 – will remain fully preserved and enforced under TG SAFE, ensuring continuity and robust legal backing.

TG SAFE is envisioned as a comprehensive entity, bringing together various critical functions under one roof. Its unified administration will encompass distinct wings for drug administration, food safety, enforcement, legal and prosecution, laboratory services, and general administration. This holistic structure is designed to foster seamless coordination and more effective operations across the board. Looking ahead, a state-level committee is slated to be constituted, tasked with thoroughly reviewing existing mechanisms and assessing the overall functioning of this newly formed, unified authority. It's a testament to the government's commitment not just to establish, but to continually refine and optimize, this vital public service.