The issue of Pakistani-made cosmetic products seized in Pimpri-Chinchwad sparked sharp exchanges in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Friday. BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar strongly criticised the government and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal, questioning how illegal products continue entering Maharashtra when the FDA is functioning with severe manpower shortages. In a pointed yet humorous jibe, Mungantiwar said, “Cosmetics are entering Maharashtra from Pakistan, and our FDA doesn’t have enough staff. I don’t know if the ‘Hari’ above will save us, but I hope the ‘Narhari’ present here will rescue us,” drawing laughter in the House.
The debate began with a half-hour discussion moved by Bhimrao Tapkir. Mungantiwar highlighted that while lakhs of shops sell food and cosmetic products, the FDA lacks sufficient inspectors, and the government allocated only ₹35 crore against the department’s demand for ₹200 crore. Responding, Minister Zirwal acknowledged the shortage, noting that only three testing labs—Mumbai, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar—are operational, with two more planned. As per norms, the FDA needs 700 employees, but just 200 posts are sanctioned, many vacant. Recruitment through MPSC is underway.
Zirwal added that 1.5 lakh cosmetic retailers operate in the state without licensing requirements, and the government is exploring a regulatory framework. He also said the police probe has been slow, and after consulting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will likely be appointed for effective inquiry.
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