Gopalan, a 2001 batch IAS officer, applied for VRS on Wednesday, about 21 months before his retirement. On Thursday, he said his decision was personal and had nothing to do with the recent 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) of the voter list in the state or the ongoing controversy over the entire process across the country.
“I have completed 25 years of service and now I am eligible for pension. I have only about two years of service left. The Odisha administration has taken very good care of me,” Gopalan told IANS.
Referring to the SIR process, he said that the process went smoothly in Odisha and notices were sent to about 58 lakh voters under this process. He said, “We have completed this process smoothly in the state. There is nothing behind my decision as is being speculated in the media.”
CEO Gopalan said that after leaving the government job, he can look for opportunities in the professional field. He said, “In the future, I will do something in the professional field. I feel this is the right time for me. I have done my duty.”
It is noteworthy that recently, 2013 batch Odisha cadre IPS officer Jagmohan Meena had taken voluntary retirement citing personal reasons.
Meanwhile, Deputy Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly and senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya on Thursday approached Chief Electoral Officer R.S. Questions were raised on the timing of Gopalan's decision to take voluntary retirement.
Acharya said, “The important question is that many bureaucrats in the country are resigning prematurely and that too in the midst of the SIR process. It is natural that doubts arise in the minds of people as to why so many bureaucrats, especially those involved in this SIR work, are resigning.”