The uncertainty over the appointment of Dr Surinder Singh as the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) appears to be settled as there were no candidates senior to Dr Singh in the interview conducted by the UPSC for the post of DCGI on February 7. Sources said that Dr Singh will most probably be confirmed in his post as DCGI.

There were a total six candidates for the post of DCGI in the UPSC list including Dr Surinder Singh. Among the six candidates, two did not appear for the interview on February 7 in Delhi. Among the rest four, one was from the same institute of Dr Surinder Singh but much to his junior and the rest two were also doctors from medical colleges and junior to Dr Singh. So, the chances of Dr Surinder Singh continuing in his post are almost certain, sources said.

Dr Surinder Singh, additional director of Central Research Institute, Kasauli, Shimla was appointed as DCGI on February 1 in place of Dr M Venkateshwarlu who retired from the post on January 31. Though Dr Singh was appointed as the DCGI there were doubts about his continuance in the post as the UPSC was conducting the interview for the post.

Meanwhile, the industry associations were waiting for a clear picture to emerge on this front before making the routine courtesy call to the new DCGI. All the associations now will start meeting the DCGI in the next week.