The Odisha Government has denied IAS officer Ms. Sujata R. Karthikeyan’s request for a six-month extension of her childcare leave and directed her to rejoin duty by tomorrow. Ms. Karthikeyan, a 2000-batch IAS officer, has been on childcare leave since May 31st, which ended today.
Earlier, she was granted six months of leave under Rule 18-D of AIS (Leave) Rules, 1955, to care for her daughter preparing for the 10th examination. During this period, she received a leave salary equivalent to her prior pay.
Currently serving as Special Secretary in the Finance Department, Ms. Karthikeyan was previously Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Mission Shakti Department but was transferred to the Finance Department under an Election Commission directive. She is the wife of Mr. VK Pandian (2000-batch ex-IAS officer) who is a close aide to BJD President Naveen Patnaik.
Law Minister Mr. Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that the General Administration Department and the Chief Secretary would act as per legal provisions but declined further comment.
