Dr V G Somani, currently the Deputy Drugs Controller of the East Zone, has been given the additional charge as the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) after the extension given to Dr Surinder Singh ended on October 31.

Dr Somani, who took over as the Deputy Drug Controller of India in December 2010, in Kolkata, has been given the charge for three months or 'until further orders', according to the office order he received from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Sources in his office in Kolkata said he had already left for Delhi to assume the charge as it comes into effect from today. Dr Somani brings with him long years of experience in the field, having worked in the CDSCO headquarters and other places like Ahmedabad.

Dr Surinder Singh, who had a tumultuous term especially towards the fag end of his tenure as DCGI, will go back to his parental organisation – National Institute of Biologicals (NIB), sources said.

On June 8, 2011 the Government had extended the appointment of Dr Surinder Singh as DCGI until 31. 03. 2012. The DCGI’s deputation tenure was to expire on June 21, this year. However, this was challenged in the Madras High Court and the court had instructed Dr Singh to demit office by October 31.

Meanwhile, the health ministry has also initiated a process to select the DCGI as directed by the High Court. The process is underway in this regard and hence the appointment of Dr Somani is for three months, it is learnt.