Central Government Approves Sujata Karthikeyan's Voluntary Retirement

The senior IAS officer, known for leading transformative initiatives in Odisha, steps down, drawing political attention due to her ties to the BJD and VK Pandian.

Sujata Karthikeyan, a 2000-batch IAS officer, has been officially relieved from her role as Special Secretary in the Odisha Finance Department following central government approval of her voluntary retirement request.
Her career highlights include spearheading the Mission Shakti initiative, which empowered 70 lakh women in Odisha, and implementing impactful programs in education, sports, and social welfare in Maoist-affected regions.
The timing of her retirement has raised political interest, given her association with the BJD and her husband, VK Pandian, a former IAS officer and close associate of Naveen Patnaik.
Karthikeyan's decision follows a period of child care leave and a denied extension request in late 2024, after which she resumed her administrative duties.
Reports of VK Pandian and Naveen Patnaik traveling together during the Odisha Assembly session have further fueled speculation regarding potential shifts in Odisha's political landscape.