Bhushan Chander Gupta will take charge as Secretary, Department Food and Public Distribution in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution this week.
"Dr Gupta is likely to be relieved from the current assignment in a day or two and will resume the office as Secretary, Food Department this weekend," the Food Ministry officials said.
A circular has been issued within the food ministry about the joining of Gupta, who is currently serving as Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary in Punjab government, they said.
An IAS officer of 1975 batch of Punjab Cadre, Gupta will succeed Alka Sirohi who is now Secretary Personnel. He holds a doctorate degree in Chemistry and a law graduate.