The Odisha Government has appointed Mr. Pradeep Kumar Jena (Retired 1989-batch Odisha cadre IAS officer) as the Chairman of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). His appointment will take effect from the date he assumes office, as per an official notification issued by the Energy Department.
The Chairman position at OERC had been vacant for a significant period, causing delays in the quasi-judicial system and public access to justice. The State Law Minister had earlier assured that the government was taking steps to fill the position promptly. The vacancy arose after former Chief Secretary Mr. Suresh Chandra Mohapatra was appointed as an advisor to the erstwhile Chief Minister.
Mr. Jena, a native of Dhenkanal district, Odisha, holds a Master of Science degree in Geology. He began his administrative career in 1991 as a Sub-Collector in Kalahandi district and went on to hold several key positions in the Odisha Government. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in 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 spearheaded major irrigation projects across the state.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Jena served as Chief Secretary of Odisha. He has also held the positions of 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). Notably, he played a crucial role in Odisha’s Covid-19 pandemic response, ensuring effective crisis management and relief efforts.
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