Pradeep Kumar Jena is a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1989 batch, who holds several high-profile positions in the Odisha government. As the Development Commissioner & Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jena is at the forefront of the state's efforts in disaster management and rural development.
Jena has a wealth of experience in handling natural disasters, having managed 10 cyclones in his professional career, seven of which occurred in the last four years. He believes that disaster management requires a different level of preparedness for each situation and can be best handled by creating a strong framework on four key pillars: institutional framework, robust policy and planning, community capacities, and early warning dissemination and communication.
The disaster management model developed by Jena and his team in Odisha has been recognized globally. The World Bank has noted in a paper that many states could learn from Odisha's approach to disaster management, and in 2022, the UN World Food Programme honored the Odisha government for its efforts to reduce poverty and enhance its disaster management capabilities.
Jena is dedicated to managing all aspects of disaster, including response, recovery, rehabilitation, reconstruction, mitigation, and adaptation. In 2022, his exceptional handling of flood response management and preparedness for Asani cyclone received widespread praise and recognition.
With his impressive track record, Jena is a true trailblazer in the field of disaster management, and his work serves as an inspiration for others to follow.