Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), June 7: Odisha’s IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan, serving as Special Secretary in the Finance department, has commenced a six-month leave. As per a notification from the General Administration department, she has been granted ‘Child Care’ leave from May 31 to November 26 to attend to her daughter, who is preparing for the Class X exams.
This development follows Sujata’s recent transition from the post of Secretary, Mission Shakti, to her current role as Special Secretary in the Finance department. This transfer came approximately a month ago, after the Election Commission of India (ECI) intervened. The ECI’s directive followed a complaint from BJP central leaders, alleging her active involvement with the ruling BJD in the state. Consequently, the ECI instructed her transfer to a department not involved in public dealings.
Sujata Karthikeyan is the spouse of BJD leader V K Pandian, who entered state politics after retiring from All India Civil Services in October 2023.
