Bhubaneswar: High profile Odisha-cadre IAS officer Aparajita Sarangi on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving her prayer for voluntary retirement and said she looks forward to the next journey with enthusiasm, positivity and optimism.
On Wednesday, the State Government gave its nod to Sarangi who had applied for VRS on September 15, by sending her cadre clearance to the Centre.
“I just received my order finally approved by our Hon’ble Prime Minister today. I am grateful to him for his kind acceptance and approval. I look forward to the next journey with enthusiasm, positivity and optimism. I seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath and good wishes of all,” Sarangi tweeted.
Sarangi was serving as joint secretary (MGNREGA) in Ministry of Rural Development before she applied for VRS. But, her five-year tenure on Central deputation ended in August.
Speculation is rife that she is likely to join BJP soon. Her positive image and good track record as an administrator is likely to benefit BJP in the State. It now depends on what role she’ll be given in BJP and how well she connects with the people of the State.
The 49-year-old Sarangi is married to her batch-mate Santosh Sarangi. Before going for Central deputation in 2013 had served as Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Panchayati Raj Department Director, School and Mass Education Secretary, Higher Education Secretary and Textiles and Handloom Secretary.
Despite hailing from a very conservative Brahmin family in rural Bhagalpur district of Bihar, Sarangi loves to see beauty and create beauty in everything.
During her stint as the BMC Commissioner for three years, she undertook the city beautification drive and introduced the concept of vending zones. She took over the State school and Mass Education Department as Commissioner-cum-Secretary in June, 2010 and introduced uniform system for teachers.
