Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has opened up about an unusual aspect of his extensive public service career: being transferred out of a posting before he could even assume charge. Speaking at Business Today's India @ 100 event alongside India Today’s Preeti Choudhry, Mundhe confirmed that such instances have occurred “multiple times” throughout his tenure.
Frequent Transfers Mark a Challenging Career
During the session, Mundhe was asked about his shortest tenure as an officer. He clarified that the question wasn't simply about counting months but included these unique situations where he was posted out pre-joining. While he declined to elaborate on specific cases or locations, he acknowledged these events as part of his journey.
His remarks came within a broader discussion concerning the frequent transfers he has experienced. Over his 21-year career, Mundhe has been transferred 25 times, significantly more than the typical three-year tenure for an officer in a single post.
Personal Sacrifices and Public Service Ethos
Mundhe candidly shared the impact of these repeated transfers on his family life. He recounted how his son had to change schools numerous times, moving between cities like Mumbai, Solapur, Pune, and Nashik, before finally settling in Mumbai from the fifth standard onwards. He also noted the adjustments his wife had to make due to the constant changes in their living situation.
Despite the personal difficulties, Mundhe emphasized that such challenges are an inherent part of choosing a career in public service. “If I want to be a public servant, if I have decided that this is my role and this, I have taken the path, so whatever comes with it, we have to take it,” he stated. He maintained that officers cannot expect to “have the cake and eat it too,” and his family had to accept these realities.
For Mundhe, the primary focus remains on the contribution he can make during his time in any given role, rather than the length of his tenure. He stressed his objective to make a tangible difference in people's lives, regardless of how long he stays in a particular position.