Retired IAS officer and former Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena (IAS:1989:OR) has resigned from the post of Chairperson of the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC).
According to a notification issued by the Energy Department on Monday (May 25, 2026), Jena’s resignation submitted on “personal grounds” has been accepted and he has been allowed to relinquish charge with effect from the afternoon of May 25, 2026.
The sudden development has surprised many within administrative circles. Sources indicated that Jena attended office on Monday and chaired several meetings during the day. Even senior officials within the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission were reportedly unaware of his decision until reports of his resignation surfaced later in the afternoon.
According to informed sources, Jena submitted his resignation to the Energy Department during the afternoon. The proposal was subsequently forwarded to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for approval before being accepted.
Jena had been appointed as Chairperson of OERC on March 28, 2025, shortly after retiring as Chief Secretary of Odisha. During his bureaucratic career, he held several important positions in the state administration and was considered one of the most influential officers in the Odisha government.
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