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4w ago

Sujata Karthikeyan's Voluntary Retirement Approved by Central Government

The senior IAS officer and women's empowerment advocate transitions from a distinguished administrative career, raising political questions in Odisha.

Sujata R Karthikeyan is a 2000-batch Odisha cadre IAS officer hailing from the Kendrapara district.
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Overview

  • Sujata Karthikeyan, a 2000-batch Odisha cadre IAS officer, has been granted voluntary retirement by the central government, with the Odisha government instructed to issue the necessary notification.
  • She is known for impactful initiatives like Mission Shakti, which empowered 70 lakh women through credit linkages, and Mamata Yojana, which improved maternal health and nutrition.
  • Her career included transformative work in Naxal-affected areas, promoting education, sports, and youth empowerment through innovative programs.
  • Her retirement follows a denied extension of child care leave in 2024 and her transfer to a less influential role during Odisha's 2024 elections after allegations of political bias.
  • The timing of her retirement has drawn political speculation, given her association with the BJD and her husband VK Pandian's earlier shift from the IAS to politics.