Patnaik's aide Pandian gets cabinet minister rank, hours after taking voluntary retirement
After Patnaik became the chief minister for the fifth time in 2019, Pandian was given additional responsibility of '5T secretary' to implement some transformational initiatives in government departments
An official statement on Tuesday announced the appointment of V K Pandian, a former adviser to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, as Chairman 5T (Transformational Initiatives) with the status of cabinet minister.
Less than twenty-four hours have passed since Pandian voluntarily retired from the ministry.
"Hereby, Shri V K Pandian is designated as Chairman of 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Cabinet Minister for Nabin Odisha. The Chief Minister will be directly in charge of Pandian, according to the General Administration and Public Grievance Department.
Pandian has served as Patnaik's private secretary since joining the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) in 2011.
In order to carry out several revolutionary projects in government ministries, Pandian was assigned the extra duty of "5T secretary" after Patnaik was elected chief minister for the fifth time in 2019.
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