VK Pandian Takes Voluntary Retirement

In a significant development in Odisha, 2000-batch Odisha cadre IAS officer VK Pandian private secretary to chief minister Naveen Patnaik has taken voluntary retirement. According to several media reports, Centre has approved the VRS of IAS officer VK Pandian.

According to reports, the Department of Personnel and Training has sent a communication in this regard to the additional chief secretary of the state’s general administration department.

“In reference to letter No.GAD-5ER1-PERS-0100-2014 dated 20.10.2023 from Government of Odisha on the above mentioned subject, I am directed to convey the approval of the competent authority for acceptance of voluntary retirement of Shri V Kartikeya Pandian, IAS(OD-2000) under Rule 16(2A) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement benefits) Rules, 1958 with waiver of the notice period as recommended by the State Government,” read the letter.

VK Pandian has been in news for his visits to several districts. Opposition parties—BJP and Congress have been accusing Pandian of misusing government funds. The opposition parties have also targeted VK Pandian of violating service condition rules.