IAS Officer Sujata Karthikeyan has optd for VRS amid speculations of her possible entry into politics.
Ms. Sujata Karthikeyan, a senior IAS officer and wife of former IAS officer-turned-politician V.K. Pandian, has reportedly opted for voluntary retirement (VRS), sparking political speculation in Odisha. Her decision comes in the wake of her husband’s resignation from the IAS in October 2023 to join the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
A 2000-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, Ms. Karthikeyan has been instrumental in implementing key welfare initiatives in the state. She led the ‘Mission Shakti’ program, a flagship women’s empowerment scheme under the previous BJD government, and introduced a bicycle distribution initiative for high school students in Maoist-affected Sundargarh district, which was later expanded statewide to boost female student enrollment.
Sources indicate that Ms. Karthikeyan applied for VRS about a month ago, though official confirmation is still awaited. Reports suggest that the central government has approved her request, fueling discussions within political circles.
Recently, Ms. Karthikeyan returned to her role as Principal Secretary of the Finance Department after a six-month leave to support her daughter’s 10th-grade studies. Her request for an extension of leave was denied by the BJP-led government, prompting her to resume duties before applying for VRS.
