Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja chaired a high-level meeting to discuss key administrative, security, and developmental issues of the State.
Collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), Inspectors General (IGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and senior officials from various departments of the State attended the meeting held on Thursday.
According to an official press release, the Chief Secretary reviewed the implementation of decisions taken at the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in December 2024 and the 59th DGP-IGP Conference held in Bhubaneswar in November-December 2024.
A total of 108 proposals presented at the DGP-IGP Conference were discussed in detail, focusing on administrative reforms, economic development, and the execution of Central government schemes.
Focus on Criminal Justice Reforms and Law Enforcement
Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania highlighted the implementation of new criminal laws in Odisha, including the Indian Justice Code, Indian Civil Protection Code, and Indian Evidence Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2024. He informed that extensive training has been provided to law enforcement personnel, and Odisha Police has fully operationalized the CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems) for efficient case tracking. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have also been issued to ensure smooth enforcement of the new legal framework.
To enhance policing, the state government has created 2,000 new traffic personnel positions, established 20 new cyber police stations, and upgraded 14 existing cyber units. Awareness campaigns about the new laws have been conducted across all 579 police stations in collaboration with civil society groups, bar associations, and volunteers.
Security and Counter-Maoist Measures
Discussions also focused on Maoist activities in certain districts, with SPs directed to use modern technology and intelligence gathering to counter potential threats. The administration also reviewed mobile network coverage and planned measures to improve connectivity in vulnerable areas.
Collectors were instructed to strengthen the implementation of government schemes in left-wing extremism (LWE)-affected regions. The Gramodaya Yojana will be prioritized for village development, and the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department was tasked with expediting house construction under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and the Antyodaya Housing Scheme.
Crackdown on Illegal Mining and Transportation
The meeting also emphasized strict action against illegal mining and mineral transportation. District-level and sub-divisional teams comprising revenue, mining, and police officials were directed to conduct raids on illegal sand and stone quarries, ban unauthorized mining, and file legal cases against violators. Additionally, Collectors were asked to identify new sources of sand and black stone, with each district required to propose sites 150 times their current capacity.
Infrastructure and Urban Development Initiatives
The Rural Development Department was instructed to improve connectivity in unconnected habitations, while the Housing and Urban Development Department was advised to focus on urban infrastructure development. Efforts to curb ganja cultivation were also discussed, with awareness campaigns being conducted in affected districts in collaboration with local representatives.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar, Principal Secretary of Rural Development and Food Supplies Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Law Department Manas Ranjan Barik, and Special Project Director of the Panchayati Raj Department Jyotiprakash Das.
