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 Ripan Mehta has been designated as the new state drug controller (SDC) of Haryana, succeeding the dynamic Lalit Kumar Goel, who retired on March 31.
Taking the mantle from a predecessor known for his efficiency, Mehta has pledged to maintain the momentum of strengthening the department and streamlining the state's pharmaceutical supply chain. His primary vision centres on a ‘family-first’ quality standard, asserting that the industry will not be permitted to manufacture any medicine that business owners would not comfortably administer to their own family members.
To achieve this high standard of manufacturing, Mehta plans to transition the department’s role from a rigid regulator to a supportive guide. He has committed to personally assisting Haryana’s manufacturing units in implementing the revised Schedule M. By overseeing every stage, from the initial procurement of raw materials to the final dispatch of formulations, he aims to ensure that all quality aspects are governed by strict Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs).
In a bid to foster collaboration, the new SDC intends to organize frequent seminars and workshops in partnership with the Haryana Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (HPMA) and other industry bodies. These educational initiatives are designed to help local manufacturers align with global standards. Currently, 47 of the 153 manufacturing units in Haryana are WHO-GMP compliant, and Mehta’s goal is to provide the remaining units with the technical support necessary to achieve full Schedule M compliance.
Regarding the trade and retail sector, Mehta is enforcing a strict ‘No Bill, No Deal’ policy. Under this mandate, all transactions must be backed by valid documentation from licensed suppliers, and no purchase can be made without a formal invoice. This strategy is designed to create a transparent paper trail, making it nearly impossible for unlicensed or illegitimate entities to inject products into the state's commercial ecosystem.
Beyond documentation, the new SDC is focusing on rigorous enforcement against illegal substances. In a telephonic interview, he emphasized a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy toward narcotics, psychotropic substances, and spurious drugs. By issuing advisories to wholesalers and retailers to verify the authenticity of their supplying firms and the validity of their licenses, Mehta hopes to build a fortified barrier against illicit trade.
To further safeguard the public, the department will enhance interstate communication with neighbouring pharmaceutical hubs like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. By monitoring the movement of drugs across borders, the Haryana drug control office aims to prevent the inflow of substandard or counterfeit medicines from outside the state.
Ripan Mehta brings over 30 years of regulatory experience to the post, having joined the department as its youngest drug inspector in 1995. His career has seen a steady climb through the ranks, from senior drug inspector in 2011 to deputy drug controller in 2025. As he awaits the formal government order, Mehta’s extensive background in enforcement and his collaborative vision signal a new era of quality-focused pharmaceutical governance in Haryana.
HPMA president RL Sharma, accompanied by association leader Vikas Pruthi, called on Mehta in his office yesterday to express the industry's confidence in his extensive knowledge and vision, noting that manufacturers expect full support and collaboration under his leadership.
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