Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the state-level DGP and IGP conference at the State Police Bhavan in the Odisha Capital here on Saturday.
During the conference, the Chief Minister conducted a comprehensive review of the law and order, internal security, cyber security and the future policing system in the state.
Majhi assured that the government would provide all necessary resources, funds and administrative support for implementing proposals aimed at strengthening police reforms and improving policing across the State.
Interacting with SPs and senior police officers through videoconferencing, the Chief Minister issued a 10-point directive to make crime control and security mechanisms more effective. The priorities include a zero-tolerance policy against crime, improving the conviction rate, building a drug-free Odisha, strengthening coastal and maritime security, tackling cybercrime and the dark web, strengthening intelligence mechanisms, modernising police stations, ensuring courteous and sensitive behaviour towards citizens, curbing extortion, and ensuring corruption-free and dedicated policing.
The Chief Minister asked the police officers to treat the complainants as well as the common people with compassion and sensitivity.
According to the Chief Minister, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women and organised crime. Referring to NCRB data, he said Odisha’s conviction rate, which was earlier low, has now improved to more than 40 per cent. Majhi set a target of taking the conviction rate to at least 75 per cent.
“The investigations should be done through professional and as well as scientific manner to improve the conviction rate,” said Majhi.
He also directed the police to take strict action against illegal extortion and forced collection of donations, particularly with the festive season approaching.
The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to making Odisha completely drug-free by 2029. He directed the police not to limit anti-drug operations to seizures and arrests, but to dismantle the entire supply chain and financial networks supporting illegal drug trafficking.
Majhi expressed confidence that effectively eliminating drug trafficking would also contribute significantly to reducing crime in the state.
The security of Odisha’s 575-kilometre coastline also figured prominently in the discussions. The Chief Minister reviewed measures being undertaken by the Odisha Police to strengthen coastal security and prevent illegal infiltration through maritime routes.
“A command and control centre has been established in Bhubaneswar. Besides, drones, modern interceptor boats and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have been procured to boost the coastal and maritime security system,” said the CM.
Special Police Officers (SPOs) and ex-servicemen have also been deployed to strengthen maritime security, he added.
With cybercrime and financial fraud emerging as major security challenges, the Chief Minister called for greater public awareness and the adoption of modern technologies to detect and prevent cyber offences. He specifically stressed the need for enhanced surveillance of the dark web and strengthening intelligence gathering through platforms such as NATGRID and CCTNS.
The Chief Minister highlighted the progress made in strengthening the state police force. He said that during the last two years, 17,794 new posts have been created in the police department, while 5,817 posts have been filled.
He also referred to the significant progress in controlling Maoist violence in the state and credited measures such as the OSSF battalions and an attractive surrender policy for strengthening the state’s internal security. He noted that Odisha has been recognised by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard.
Majhi called upon police personnel to work with dedication, honesty and integrity. He stressed that the police system must become completely free from corruption and that officers should remain committed to protecting citizens and maintaining law and order.
The Chief Minister also urged police officers to strengthen patrolling in sensitive areas and take firm action against anti-social activities. He reminded the police force of its motto ‘We Serve and Protect’ and sought its cooperation for making Odisha a safe and prosperous state.