Bhubaneswar, Sept 3 [UDN}:Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today attended the state-level DGP and IGP conference held at the State Police Headquarters and conducted a comprehensive review of the state’s law and order situation, internal security, cyber security and the future policing system.
The Chief Minister gave serious consideration to every proposal put forward for police reforms and assured that the government would provide all necessary resources, funds and administrative support for their effective implementation.
During the conference, the Chief Minister also interacted with Superintendents of Police and senior police officers through video conferencing and issued 10 key recommendations and directives to make crime control and security arrangements more effective in their respective districts:
1. Zero-tolerance policy
2. Increase in the conviction rate
3. Drug-free Odisha
4. Coastal and maritime security
5. Cyber security and monitoring of the Dark Web
6. Strengthening the intelligence network
7. Modernisation of police stations
8. Polite, sensitive and trustworthy behaviour of police towards citizens
9. Strict action against extortion and forced collection of donations
10. Corruption-free and dedicated policing
The Chief Minister placed special emphasis on the polite and sensitive behaviour of police personnel towards ordinary citizens. He said every person who approaches a police station with a complaint should be treated as a victim and dealt with compassionately.
The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against violence against women and organised crime. According to NCRB data, Odisha’s conviction rate, which was previously low, has now improved to more than 40 percent, with a target of increasing it to at least 75 percent. The Chief Minister stressed the need to make investigations more professional and technology-driven to achieve this goal.
With the festive season approaching, he directed police to take strict action against extortion, forced collections and illegal “dada bati” practices.
The government is committed to making Odisha completely drug-free by 2029. The Chief Minister directed the police to go beyond seizures and arrests and dismantle the entire supply chain and financial syndicates involved in illegal drug trafficking. He expressed hope that curbing the drug trade would significantly reduce crime across the state.
Regarding coastal security, the Chief Minister reviewed measures taken by the Odisha Police to protect the state’s 575-km coastline and prevent infiltration through maritime routes. A Command and Control Centre in Bhubaneswar, 10 drones, five trawlers and 10 modern interceptor boats are being deployed/procured, while beach patrolling has been strengthened through All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). SPOs and ex-servicemen have also been deployed for maritime security.
To combat cybercrime and financial fraud, the Chief Minister advised police to conduct extensive public awareness campaigns and strengthen surveillance using modern technology, including monitoring the Dark Web.
He also highlighted the state’s progress in controlling Maoist violence and referred to the recognition received from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in connection with measures such as OSSF battalions and an attractive surrender policy.
The Chief Minister informed that over the past two years, 17,794 new posts have been created in the police department, while 5,817 posts have been filled.
He reiterated that investigation must become professional and technology-based to raise the conviction rate to at least 75 percent. He also directed the police to strengthen intelligence through NATGRID and CCTNS, modernise police stations and utilise a ₹50-crore special investigation fund along with necessary equipment.
He stressed that the message should be clear: criminals should be afraid when they see the police, not innocent citizens. He also directed that the police system be made completely corruption-free, coastal security strengthened through the Command and Control Centre and drones, illegal infiltration prevented, and forced extortion by anti-social elements completely stopped.
During the conference, the Chief Minister directly interacted with police officers, sought information about challenges and experiences in their respective areas, and advised them to perform their duties with dedication, integrity and honesty.
Remembering the Odisha Police slogan “We Serve and Protect,” he called upon all police officers to work sincerely towards building a “Safe Odisha – Empowered Odisha – Prosperous Odisha.”
Chief Secretary Anu Garg also attended the programme and emphasised the need to further improve and strengthen police services for the public. Congratulating the Odisha Police on receiving the prestigious President’s Colour Award, she praised the force for its continuous dedication and service.
She said Odisha has become completely free from Naxal violence due to the sustained commitment of the police department and also credited the force for the successful and peaceful management of the world-famous Rath Yatra.
DGP Binayatosh Mishra expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s constructive suggestions and directions and said that extensive measures would be undertaken in the area of cyber security in the coming days. He assured that policing and patrolling would be strengthened in sensitive and strategically important areas, while special operations against illegal drug trafficking would also be intensified.
He further stated that, in accordance with the Chief Minister’s directions, the Odisha Police would work with complete dedication to strengthen law and order in every district of the state.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Hemant Sharma, Intelligence Director and DGP R.P. Koche, DGP (Anti-Maoist Operations) Sanjeeb Panda, along with all DGPs and IGPs of the state, were present at the conference.
