The Odisha government on Tuesday (26.11.2024) rejected the leave extension application of Sujata R Karthikeyan (IAS:2000:OR), directing her to rejoin duty on Wednesday. Sujata, who is the wife of bureaucrat turned BJD politician VK Pandian, had been on childcare leave since May 21, which ended on November 26.
The General Administration Department stated that her request for an additional six months of leave “is not acceded to” and asked her to report back to duty.
Sujata is currently posted as Special Secretary in the Finance Department. She was transferred to this role following a directive from the Election Commission of India (ECI) during her tenure as Commissioner-cum-Secretary in the Mission Shakti Department.
In June, the General Administration and Public Grievance Department granted her six months of childcare leave under Rule 18-D of the AIS (Leave) Rules, 1955, to support her minor daughter’s preparation for the Class 10 Board exams. During this period, Sujata received her full leave salary.
