A Civil Servant of Distinction
Pradeep Kumar Jena, one of Odisha’s most accomplished bureaucrats, was formally sworn in as the Chairman of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. The oath of office was administered by Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Mr. Jena’s illustrious public service journey.
A 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Mr. Jena brings with him decades of rich experience in governance, administration, and infrastructure development. His appointment comes after an official notification by the Odisha Energy Department on March 28, 2025. The position had remained vacant since the retirement of Suresh Mohapatra, making Jena’s entry highly anticipated in regulatory circles.
A Proven Track Record Across Critical Roles
Throughout his career, Mr. Jena has served Odisha with distinction in various capacities. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Secretary of Odisha from February 26, 2023, to June 30, 2024, including a six-month extension during the 2024 general elections. Under his leadership, the state maintained bureaucratic stability during crucial transitions.
Prior to this, Jena earned praise for his work as Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and Development Commissioner during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he led state relief and recovery operations efficiently. His crisis management acumen also dates back to his tenure as Collector of Cuttack during the 1999 Super Cyclone, where he was noted for his quick, empathetic response during one of Odisha’s most devastating disasters.
A Legacy in the Power Sector and Governance
Jena’s connection with the energy sector is deep-rooted. He served as the Secretary of the Energy Department from 2006 to 2014, where he oversaw key reforms and infrastructure upgrades. His leadership helped modernize Odisha’s power sector, laying the groundwork for stable energy distribution and grid improvements across the state.
Additionally, he brought reforms in religious administration as the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple, and has served in various departments including Panchayati Raj, Information Technology, Rural Development, and Water Resources. His diverse experience has given him a 360-degree view of Odisha’s development needs.
From Dhenkanal to Dharmagarh: A Career Built on Grassroots and Global Experience
Born on January 1, 1964, and hailing from Dhenkanal district, Mr. Jena began his administrative career in 1991 as Sub-Collector of Dharmagarh in Kalahandi. Rising through the ranks, he held key grassroots-level positions, including Project Director of DRDA and Collector of Kalahandi and Kendrapara, before working with UNDP and moving into high-level policy and departmental leadership roles.
Energizing the New Odisha: What Lies Ahead
As he assumes the role of Chairman of OERC, Mr. Jena steps into a position critical to regulating and guiding the state’s energy future. With his extensive knowledge of Odisha’s power landscape and strong administrative background, he is expected to drive reforms in energy pricing, renewable energy integration, and infrastructure expansion.
In a state marching toward industrial growth, urbanization, and rural electrification, Jena’s visionary leadership may well prove instrumental in shaping a new Odisha—resilient, modern, and energy-secure.
(With inputs from agencies)
