Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Punjab CM Opposes AGMUT Officer's FCI GM Post
The central government has chosen an officer from the AGMUT cadre to be the General Manager of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for Punjab.
However, Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, has written a letter to the central government asking them to reconsider this decision.
He believes that an officer from Punjab's own IAS cadre should be appointed because they understand the state's unique agricultural, security, and political situations better.
The Chief Minister has provided historical data showing that Punjab cadre officers have always been appointed to this post, except for temporary arrangements.
He also mentioned that the state has a significant role in national food procurement and that appointing an officer familiar with local conditions is crucial for smooth operations and the interests of farmers and the public.
Centre appointed Ritika Pawar, an AGMUT cadre IAS officer, as GM of FCI Punjab Region.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann wrote to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi objecting to the appointment.
Mann argues for a Punjab cadre IAS officer due to the state's unique agricultural and security sensitivities.
Historical data shows that 23 out of 37 GMs of FCI Punjab Region have been from the Punjab cadre.
Punjab government has submitted a panel of eligible Punjab cadre IAS officers for the post.
- Who
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
- What
- Appointment of an AGMUT cadre IAS officer as GM of FCI Punjab Region
- When
- January 2026 (letter date), December 31, 2025 (previous GM's retirement)
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- Punjab CM argues for a Punjab cadre IAS officer due to state's unique sensitivities and administrative efficiency
- Post
- General Manager, FCI Punjab Region
- Appointed Officer
- Ritika Pawar (AGMUT cadre IAS)
- Previous GM
- B Srinivasan (Punjab cadre IAS, retired Dec 31)
- Current Additional Charge Holder
- Sharandeep Kaur Brar (Haryana cadre IAS)
- Punjab CM's Letter Date
- January 2026
- Union Minister Addressed
- Pralhad Joshi (Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs)
- Punjab's Contribution
- Major share to central food grain pool
- Historical Appointments
- 23 Punjab cadre IAS officers out of 37 total