The wife of BJD leader VK Pandian, Sujata R Karthikeyan, is the Special Secretary of the Odisha Finance Department and has taken a six-month leave of absence.
The General Administration and Public Grievance Department reported the development on Friday in an office order (dated June 5).
“Smt. Sujata R. Karthikeyan, IAS (RR-2000), special secretary to Government, Finance Department is granted Child Care Leave for a period of 6 months i.e. of 180 days w.e.f 31.05.2024 to 26.11.2024 to take care of her minor daughter appearing for her 10th exam as per Rule 18-D of AlS (Leave) Rules, 1955,” the letter read. It was a continuation of the GA & PG Department office order No. 13535/AlS.l dtd. 10.05.2024.
The letter also specified that she would receive leave pay equivalent to the amount she was paid right before taking the leave, and that the child care leave would not be deducted from her leave account.
