Central government has approved the voluntary retirement of IAS officer V K Pandian. A 2000 batch officer Mr. Pandian in his existing post since 2011 and known as one of the most powerful officer of Odisha. He recently made headlines for his whirlwind tour to different districts using the state chopper.
He been serving as private secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The officer has not said anything about his plans for future. Mr. Pandian has earlier served as the DC, Mayurbhanj and Ganjam. Pandian has continued in the post since and not even opted for central deputation. He is also considered to be the brain behind several government schemes and initiatives in recent years. The ‘5T initiative’, which has its footprint in almost every government department, is believed to be his idea. It was launched in Patnaik’s fifth term to “overhaul” the administrative apparatus.
