Retired IAS officer Pradeep Kumar Jena (IAS:1989:OR) was on Tuesday (08.04.2025) officially assumed charge as Chairman of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC). The swearing-in ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan, where Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati administered the oath of office and secrecy.
Jena’s appointment to the post was notified by the state government on March 28, 2025, under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2023.
A seasoned bureaucrat, Jena has held several key positions in the Odisha Government, most notably serving as Chief Secretary of the state. He took charge of Chief Secretary on March 1, 2023, a day after his predecessor Suresh Chandra Mahapatra (IAS:1986:OR) retired on February 28, 2023. Jena remained in the post until June 30, 2024, including a six-month extension from January 1 to June 30, 2024. He was succeeded by Manoj Ahuja, who took charge on July 1, 2024.
Prior to his elevation as Chief Secretary, Jena served as Development Commissioner, the second-highest position in the state’s bureaucratic setup.
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