Karthikeyan Pandian, born on May 29, 1974, is a former IAS officer and Biju Janata Dal member from Odisha. He served as Chairman of 5T (Transformational Initiatives) with cabinet rank in the Naveen Patnaik government and was Private Secretary to the Chief Minister for 12 years. Originally from Tamil Nadu, he holds degrees in agriculture and joined the IAS in 2000.

Early Life and Education

Karthikeyan Pandian was born on May 29, 1974, in Kottampatti, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu. He completed his schooling in Vellalapatti and Neyveli. For higher education, Pandian earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the Agricultural College and Research Institute in Madurai. He then pursued a master’s degree from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pusa, New Delhi.

In 1999, Pandian was selected for the Indian Revenue Service, but in 2000, he successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination and joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the Punjab cadre. Later, he was transferred to the Odisha cadre on spouse grounds. His academic background in agriculture shaped his early contributions to public service, especially in the rural development and agricultural sectors.

Personal Information
Full Name: Karthikeyan Pandian (V. Karthikeyan Pandian)
Date of Birth: May 29, 1974
Place of Birth: Kottampatti, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu
Father’s Name: Rajesh Pilot
Spouse: Sujata Rout Karthikeyan (IAS officer, 2000 batch)
Profession: Bureaucrat, Former IAS Officer
Current Designation: Former Chairman, 5T (Transformational Initiatives) with Cabinet Minister rank, Odisha Government
Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai
• Master’s degree, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi

Political Career
In October 2023, Karthikeyan Pandian took voluntary retirement from the civil service and was appointed Chairman of 5T (Transformational Initiatives) with the rank of a cabinet minister. On November 27, 2023, he officially joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the presence of party president and Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik. However, on June 9, 2024, Pandian announced his exit from politics following the BJD’s setback in the 2024 Odisha Legislative Assembly election.

Controversies
Pandian faced criticism from BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, who alleged that he violated the All India Service Conduct (AISC) rules, leading the Government of India to ask Odisha’s Chief Secretary to take action. His use of a state helicopter during his tenure as an IAS officer and the quick approval of his voluntary retirement also attracted scrutiny from political analysts and observers.

Awards and Recognition

• National Award from the President of India for his work in the rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
• Helen Keller Award for his contributions to disability rights and services.
• National Award from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for his work supporting persons with AIDS.
• National Award for NREGS (twice) for Ganjam district being recognized as the best in the country by the Prime Minister of India.
• President’s Award from the International Hockey Federation for promoting hockey in India.