By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: It seems, elevation of VK Pandian as Chairman, 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of Cabinet Minister, not brought more rejoice within the BJD. With elections closely approaching, Pandian’s bigger role in Government and Party may put some big faces in trouble.
Pandian, a 2000-Batch former IAS officer, was earlier working as the Private Secretary (5T) to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Pandian had earlier changed his Punjab cadre to Odiaha following his marriage to IAS Officer Sujata Kartikeyan, who presently heads, State Government’s Mission Shakti Department.
Only few BJD leaders took to X post and FB post to express their happiness but most of them remain clam till today afternoon . “A new role, a new responsibility. He has been at the forefront of transformation of governance in Odisha. It will gain further momentum with Shri VK Pandian as the Chairman of #5T and #NabinOdisha with the rank of a Cabinet Minister. As he will directly report to our HCM, pace of development will expedite further. Heartiest Congratulations and best wishes to Shri VK Pandian. Let’s become the part of a New Odisha, which is taking shape, BJD MP Manas Mangaraj said in an X post.
The latest posts of X handle(formerly Twitter) of MLA Pranab Prakash Das , MPs Dr Sasmit Patra, Amar Patnaik , Ministers Raja Swain and others, have no words of praise for VK Pandian following his promotion, even though, all wished people on occasion of Vijaya Dashami.
Meanwhile, day after the Central Government approved the voluntary retirement of former IAS Officer Pandian, the Odisha Government on Tuesday appointed him as Chairman, 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of Cabinet Minister.
“VK Pandian is hereby appointed as Chairman 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha in the rank of Cabinet Minister,” an order issued by the State Government said. “Pandian shall work directly under the Chief Minister,” the order added. Pandian was earlier working as the Private Secretary (5T) to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel and Training approved VRS in 3 days . Even during the last 3 days were holidays, files moved so fast, that the Ministry issued notification informing Odisha Government on Monday, even on a holiday due to Durga Puja Maha Navami Festival.
VK Pandian has been serving CMO for last 12 long years. Pandian was Private Secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik since 2011.
“In reference to letter No.-GAD-SER1-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,” Under Secretary to Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel and Training Bhupinder Pal Singh wrote to Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration & PG Department, Government of Odisha.
