Tukaram Mundhe

In October 2026, Mundhe said he would advise his children against joining the civil services, pointing to the personal strain of roughly 25 transfers in his 21-year career. He suggested that young people consider entrepreneurship or public leadership as alternative ways to serve society.

Mundhe became the subject of a political controversy in September 2026 after Sanjay Raut alleged that some FDA officials used licence-suspension threats to extort businesses. Mundhe rejected the allegations and asked for evidence. The claims had not been independently established at the time of reporting.

The Maharashtra General Administration Department replaced Mundhe as guardian secretary of Parbhani district through an order issued in June 2026. Dr Chandrakant Pulakundwar was named in his place, and no reason for the change was stated in the order. Mundhe continued in his main role as FDA Commissioner.

Tukaram Mundhe took charge as Maharashtra's Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration in May 2026, his 25th transfer over roughly 21 years of service. His FDA inspections and licence suspensions for hygiene violations drew wide public attention and online interest. The posting placed him at the centre of the state's food safety enforcement drive.