Who is IAS Officer Sujata, Whose Voluntary Retirement Has Been Approved by Centre?
In a recent development, the Centre has approved the request of IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan for voluntary retirement. Sujata, a senior Odisha cadre officer, has been making headlines for her remarkable career and her association with former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik. As the head of ‘Mission Shakti’, a flagship initiative launched by Patnaik’s government to provide loans to women self-help groups, Sujata played a significant role in empowering women in the state.
Sujata’s husband, VK Pandian, is also an IAS officer who was closely associated with Patnaik during his tenure as the chief minister of Odisha. The couple’s close ties with Patnaik’s government have led many to speculate about Sujata’s career trajectory and the reasons behind her decision to retire.
A Prominent Bureaucrat in Odisha
Sujata Karthikeyan is a 1988 batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre. She has had a distinguished career, serving in various capacities in the state government. Her tenure as the head of ‘Mission Shakti’ was particularly noteworthy, as she oversaw the disbursal of loans to thousands of women self-help groups across Odisha. The initiative aimed to empower women by providing them with financial support to start their own businesses and improve their socio-economic status.
Sujata’s career has been marked by several notable achievements. She has served as the secretary to the government of Odisha, handling key portfolios such as finance, planning, and health. Her expertise in these areas has been recognized by the Centre, which has entrusted her with important responsibilities.
Association with Naveen Patnaik’s Government
Sujata’s association with Naveen Patnaik’s government dates back to the early 2000s, when her husband, VK Pandian, was appointed as the private secretary to the chief minister. Pandian’s close ties with Patnaik’s government led to Sujata’s entry into the bureaucracy. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most powerful bureaucrats in Odisha.
Sujata’s involvement in ‘Mission Shakti’ was seen as a key factor in the success of the initiative. Her ability to connect with women from different walks of life and her understanding of their needs made her an effective champion of the cause. The initiative has been credited with improving the socio-economic status of thousands of women in Odisha.
Speculations About Her Retirement
Sujata’s decision to retire has sparked speculation about the reasons behind her move. While the Centre has approved her request for voluntary retirement, many are wondering what prompted her to take this step.
Some have speculated that Sujata’s decision may be linked to the change in government in Odisha. The BJD, led by Naveen Patnaik, lost power in the 2019 elections to the BJP. Sujata’s husband, VK Pandian, was a close aide of Patnaik, and many believe that her decision to retire may be a reflection of her desire to distance herself from the current government.
Others have pointed to the fact that Sujata has been dealing with personal issues in recent years. Her husband, VK Pandian, was involved in a controversy surrounding his role in the appointment of a professor at a state-run university. The controversy led to a lot of media attention, and some believe that Sujata’s decision to retire may be linked to her desire to avoid further controversy.
Conclusion
Sujata Karthikeyan’s decision to retire has sent shockwaves through the government and administrative circles in Odisha. Her association with Naveen Patnaik’s government and her involvement in ‘Mission Shakti’ have made her a prominent figure in the state. While the reasons behind her decision to retire are unclear, one thing is certain – Sujata Karthikeyan has left an indelible mark on the state of Odisha.
As she embarks on a new chapter in her life, many are left wondering what the future holds for this remarkable IAS officer. Will she pursue a career in academia or politics? Only time will tell. For now, Sujata Karthikeyan’s legacy in Odisha will continue to inspire and empower women across the state.
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