Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Ms. Sujata Karthikeyan, wife of former IAS officer-turned-politician Mr. V.K. Pandian (2000-batch officer), has reportedly taken voluntary retirement from service (VRS), according to sources.
Also Read: Odisha Govt Snubs IAS Sujata R. Karthikeyan’s Request for Six-month Extension of Childcare Leave
Ms. Karthikeyan, a 2000-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, has played a crucial role in the state’s governance, implementing key welfare schemes. Notably, she spearheaded the ‘Mission Shakti’ program, a flagship women’s empowerment initiative of the previous BJD government. She also launched a bicycle scheme for high school students in Maoist-affected Sundargarh district, which was later expanded across Odisha to improve female student enrollment.
She had applied for VRS nearly a month ago, though no official confirmation has been made public yet. However, discussions within the government have intensified following reports that the central government has accepted her request.
Ms. Karthikeyan had recently resumed duty after taking a six-month leave to focus on her daughter’s 10th-grade studies. While she had sought an extension of her leave, the BJP-led government rejected her request. Following this, she returned to work as the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department.
In November 2024, her request for a six-month childcare leave extension was denied, leading her to resume official duties. Subsequently, she applied for voluntary retirement, which was approved by the central government in March 2025.
Her voluntary retirement has sparked significant political speculation in Odisha, especially considering her husband’s resignation from the IAS in October 2023 to join the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). With the BJD facing a major setback in the 2024 general elections, the couple’s future political moves are being closely watched as Odisha’s political landscape continues to evolve.
Also Read: Retd. IAS Pradeep Kumar Jena Appointed as Chairman of OERC in Odisha
