Retired IAS officer Pradeep Kumar Jena has been appointed as Chairman of OERC in Odisha.
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Jena, a retired IAS officer from the 1989 batch (Odisha cadre), has been appointed as the Chairman of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). His appointment will take effect from the day he assumes office, as per an official notification issued by the Energy Department.
The OERC Chairman position had remained vacant for a considerable period, leading to delays in the quasi-judicial system and affecting public access to justice. The State Law Minister had previously assured that steps were being taken to fill the vacancy, which arose after former Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra was appointed as an advisor to the former Chief Minister.
A native of Dhenkanal district, Odisha, Mr. Jena holds a Master’s degree in Geology. He began his administrative career in 1991 as a Sub-Collector in Kalahandi district and later held several key positions in the Odisha government. His tenure was marked by significant contributions, including the transformation of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the renovation of religious sites, and the upgrade of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. He also played a pivotal role in major irrigation projects across the state.
Before retiring, Mr. Jena served as the Chief Secretary of Odisha. He has also held positions such as Development Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner, Principal Secretary in the Energy, Panchayati Raj, and Water Resources Departments, and Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). His leadership was instrumental in Odisha’s Covid-19 response, ensuring effective crisis management and relief efforts.
