Odisha Chief Electoral Officer R. S. Gopalan applies for voluntary retirement
Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer, R. S. Gopalan, has submitted an application for voluntary retirement. The move comes one week after the completion of the Special Summary Revision (SIR) process in the state, with officials stating the decision is based on personal reasons.
First reported 6 hours ago · latest update 1 hour ago
Updated - October 01, 2026 10:55 am IST - BHUBANESWAR
Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer R. S. Gopalan has applied for voluntary retirement from service after the process of Special Intensive Revision got over in the State.
The 1968-born and 2001-batch IAS officer Mr. Gopalan, applied for VRS on Wednesday (September 30, 2026). He was quoted as saying that his application for VRS was on the grounds of personal reasons and has nothing to do with SIR process.
With one and a half years left until retirement, Mr. Gopalan oversaw the SIR process in Odisha, which, according to him, was less controversial compared to those in other States. The Biju Janata Dal had, however, submitted a number of memoranda alleging exclusion of voters from the voter list. Odisha’s final electoral roll was published on Monday (September 21, 2026).
Published - October 01, 2026 10:52 am IST
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Soon after SIR, Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer applies for voluntary retirement
Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer R. S. Gopalan was quoted as saying that his application for VRS was on the grounds of personal reasons and has nothing to do with SIR process
6 hours agoWeek after SIR process, Odisha’s chief electoral officer opts for voluntary retirement
1 hour ago · Sujit BisoyiOdisha chief electoral officer Gopalan applies for voluntary retirement after SIR
Gopalan submitted his voluntary retirement application on Wednesday a week after the completion of the SIR in the state
5 hours ago