Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian IAS Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Hometown, Career, Controversy, Husband, Family, Net Worth

Onyedika May 7, 2024

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian IAS Biography

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian is a senior IAS officer who has been serving in various capacities within the Indian Administrative Service. She was the commissioner-cum-secretary of the Mission Shakti department in Odisha. However, following a complaint by the BJP, the Election Commission of India ordered her transfer from the Mission Shakti department to a non-public facing department.

Sujata Karthikeyan has been associated with the Mission Shakti department since its inception in June 2021 and has been instrumental in its operations, which involve working with women self-help groups comprising around 70 lakh members.

Her work has included policy decisions to support these groups with funds, training, infrastructure, and exposure, as well as initiating a scooter scheme for women and organizing international learning trips for members.

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian Age

Sujata Karthikeyan is 48 years old as of 2024.

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian hometown

Sujata Karthikeyan hails from the serene village of Baluria located in the Pattamundai block of Kendrapara district, Odisha.

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian Early Life and Education

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian was born on September 5, 1975 in India. For her higher education, Sujata chose the Arts stream, a decision that would pave the way for her illustrious career in the Indian Administrative Service.

In the year 2000, Sujata’s hard work and perseverance culminated in her passing the IAS examination, joining the prestigious ranks of the Indian Administrative Service in the same batch as her husband, V.K. Pandian. This milestone marked the beginning of a career dedicated to public service and governance, with Sujata taking on the role of Secretary of Mission Shakti.

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian Career

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian’s career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) started after passing the IAS examination in the year 2000.

Her early assignments involved significant responsibilities that laid the groundwork for her future endeavors within the administrative framework of India.

In her initial years, Sujata served in different capacities, gaining experience and insights into the workings of the government at both the micro and macro levels. Her roles ranged from policy formulation to on-ground implementation of various government initiatives.

As she progressed in her career, Sujata took on more prominent roles, including that of the Director of Mission Shakti, where she worked under the state’s women and child development department. Her leadership in this role was marked by a commitment to empowering women through self-help groups, which played a pivotal role in enhancing their socio-economic status. The Mission Shakti program, under her guidance, became a flagship initiative of the Odisha government, touching the lives of millions of women across the state.

In June 2021, Sujata was appointed as the commissioner-cum-secretary of the newly formed Mission Shakti department. This position allowed her to further her work with women self-help groups, now comprising around 70 lakh members. Her tenure saw the introduction of innovative policies and schemes, such as a scooter scheme for women and international learning trips for members to countries like Dubai and Singapore, which significantly boosted the confidence and capabilities of the women involved.

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian’s Controversy and Transfer from the Mission Shakti Department

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian has been at the center of a controversy following a complaint by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The BJP accused her of being a “BJD agent” and alleged that she was using her position to influence voters through the Mission Shakti department, which she headed. The department is significant for the BJD government as it involves women self-help groups that are considered a loyal vote bank for the party.

The BJP’s complaint led to the ECI ordering her transfer from the Mission Shakti department to a non-public facing department. The allegations included that she was intimidating members of women self-help groups to vote for the BJD and using the department to persuade around 70 lakh women voters. The BJP demanded that she should not be assigned any public dealing role until the conclusion of the parliamentary and assembly elections in Odisha.

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian Husband and Family

Sujata Karthikeyan is married to V. K. Pandian, who is a former IAS officer and a leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Together, they have a Son and a daughter named Nayantara Karthikeyan.

Sujata Karthikeyan Pandian IAS Net Worth

Sujata Karthikeyan has an estimated net worth of 6,000,000 Indian Rupee as of 2024.