Odisha IAS Officer Sujata R Karthikeyan Granted Voluntary Retirement

New Delhi: The Central Government has approved the voluntary retirement application of Odisha-cadre IAS officer Sujata R Karthikeyan, marking the conclusion of her distinguished career in public service.

Karthikeyan, a 2000-batch IAS officer, had submitted her voluntary retirement request on March 13, 2025, under Rule 16(2A) of the All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958. In an official communication to the Odisha Chief Secretary, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions confirmed that her retirement will take effect from March 13, 2025. The mandatory three-month notice period was waived, and the Odisha Government has been instructed to issue a formal notification regarding her retirement.

Earlier, on May 31, 2024, Karthikeyan had availed six months of childcare leave to support her minor daughter in preparing for her Class 10 examinations. At the time, she was serving as Special Secretary in the Finance Department. Her leave ended on November 26, 2024, following which she sought an extension, but her request was denied by the Odisha Government, leading her to resume duty on November 27, 2024.

Karthikeyan has held several key administrative positions, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Mission Shakti Department, where she played a pivotal role in women’s empowerment initiatives in Odisha.