Retd IAS officer Pradeep Jena appointed OERC Chairman

The State government on Friday appointed retired Odisha-cadre IAS officer Pradeep Kumar Jena as Chairman of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). His appointment will have effect from the date when he would assume the Office.

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“In exercise of the power conferred under Sub-section-5 of Section-82 of the Electricity Act, 2003 (No. 36 of 2003), the State Government is pleased to appoint Shri Pradeep Kumar Jena, IAS (Retired) as Chairperson, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) with effect from the date he assumes the Office,” a notification issued in this regard by the state Energy Department mentioned.

Odisha had been experiencing a kind of stagnation in the quasi-judicial system, OERC. For a considerable period, the position of chairperson had remained vacant.

This has resulted in the general public facing delays in accessing justice. The Law Minister earlier stated that the State government was taking steps to fill this position promptly.

After former Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra became an advisor to the erstwhile Chief Minister, the Chairman position in the OERC had remained unfilled.

Pradeep Jena's background and education

Jena is a 1989-batch IAS officer. He holds a Master of Science degree in Geology. He hails from the Dhenkanal district of Odisha and began his career as a Sub-Collector in Kalahandi district in 1991.

Major projects undertaken as Chief Secretary

During his term, key projects included the transformation of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the renovation of other religious sites, and the upgrade of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. He also focused on the implementation of crucial irrigation projects across the State.

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Other important positions Jena held

Besides Chief Secretary, the former IAS served as Development Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner, Principal Secretary of the Energy, Panchayati Raj and Water Resources departments, and Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). He also played a crucial role in handling Covid-19 pandemic response in Odisha.