New Delhi: Senior bureaucrat Sanjay Garg, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, has officially assumed charge as the Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – India’s National Standards Body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved his appointment earlier this year, with effect from November 1, 2025, following the retirement of Pramod Kumar Tiwari (IAS:1991:AM) on October 31, 2025.
Mr Garg had been serving as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at BIS since August 2025 to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.
A Seasoned Administrator with Multisectoral Expertise
With over three decades of administrative experience, IAS Sanjay Garg has held pivotal positions in the Central and State Governments, overseeing initiatives in agriculture, food logistics, industrial promotion, defence production, finance, and social development.
Before taking charge as DG, BIS, Garg served as Additional Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), and Secretary, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
During his tenure at ICAR, he spearheaded digital transformation in agricultural research management and expanded the Kisan Sarathi portal, facilitating real-time communication between farmers and scientists.
From ICAR to BIS: Strengthening India’s Quality Ecosystem
IAS Garg’s transition from ICAR to BIS marks a significant move in strengthening India’s quality assurance and standardization ecosystem.
At BIS, he will play a crucial role in shaping national standards, promoting industrial quality certification, and enhancing consumer safety frameworks.
As the Director General, he will also serve as President of India’s National Committee in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) — representing India on global standardization platforms.
His leadership is expected to further align BIS with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” missions, ensuring that Indian industries meet globally benchmarked standards.
Educational Background and Personal Profile
Born on October 10, 1970, Sanjay Garg holds B.Tech. and M.Tech. degrees, and is proficient in English and Hindi.
He has also been involved in policy formulation for industrial deregulation, World Bank–funded projects, and defence industry promotion initiatives, contributing to the modernization of several sectors, including India’s leather industry.
A Vision for Quality, Safety, and Innovation
As DG of BIS, Garg is expected to prioritize initiatives that enhance industrial competitiveness, promote quality consciousness, and support innovation in manufacturing and services.
With his extensive experience in governance and technology-driven reforms, his appointment is seen as a strategic step toward realizing BIS’s vision of a “Quality-First India.”
