Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday issued a 10-point directive to Odisha Police, calling for a more proactive, technology-driven and citizen-centric policing system with a focus on crime control, cyber security, drug trafficking, coastal security and improving the conviction rate.
Addressing the state-level DGP and IGP conference at the State Police Headquarters here, Majhi said the government would provide all necessary resources, grants and administrative support for implementing police reforms and strengthening the state’s security architecture.
The Chief Minister laid particular emphasis on the behaviour of police personnel towards ordinary citizens, saying every person approaching a police station with a complaint should be treated as a victim and dealt with empathy and sensitivity. He stressed that the police should uphold the principle that “criminals will tremble at the sight of the police, not innocent citizens”.
The 10 priorities outlined by Majhi included a zero-tolerance policy against crime, raising the conviction rate, building a drug-free Odisha by 2029, strengthening coastal and maritime security, combating cybercrime and threats from the dark web, enhancing intelligence gathering, modernising police stations, ensuring polite and trustworthy public interaction, curbing ‘Dada Bati’ and forced collection of donations, and establishing corruption-free and dedicated policing.
The Chief Minister said the government’s zero-tolerance approach would continue against violence against women and organised crime. Citing NCRB data, he said the state’s conviction rate, which was previously low, had now crossed 40 per cent and set a target of taking it to at least 75 per cent. He called for investigations to be made more professional and technology-based to improve conviction outcomes.
With the festive season approaching, Majhi also directed the police to take firm action against ‘Dada Bati’ and illegal forced collection of donations by anti-social elements.
On the government’s goal of making Odisha completely drug-free by 2029, Majhi said police action should go beyond seizures and arrests. He directed the force to dismantle the entire narcotics supply chain, illegal trafficking networks and financial syndicates supporting the drug trade, expressing confidence that containing narcotics trafficking would also contribute to reducing crime.
The Chief Minister also reviewed measures to secure Odisha’s 575-km coastline and prevent infiltration through maritime routes. He highlighted the strengthening of the Command and Control Centre in Bhubaneswar, the procurement process for 10 drones, five trawlers and 10 modern interceptor boats, and beach patrolling using All Terrain Vehicles. Special Police Officers and former defence personnel have also been engaged for maritime security, he said.
On cybercrime and financial fraud, Majhi called for continuous surveillance of emerging technologies and the dark web, alongside extensive public awareness campaigns. He directed the police to strengthen intelligence capabilities through systems such as NATGRID and CCTNS.
The Chief Minister said Maoist violence had come under complete control in Odisha and credited measures including the OSSF battalion and the state’s surrender policy for the progress. He said Odisha had been honoured by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in recognition of its achievements.
Majhi further said 17,794 new posts had been created in the Police Department over the past two years, of which 5,817 had been filled. For modernisation of police stations, he said a special investigation fund of Rs 50 crore, along with necessary equipment, had been provided.
During the conference, Majhi interacted with police officers and took stock of their experiences and challenges in their respective areas of work. He urged them to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, integrity and professionalism, keeping in mind the Odisha Police motto, “We Serve and Protect”.
He called upon the force to work towards building a “Secure Odisha—Empowered Odisha—Prosperous Odisha”, particularly in view of the state’s industrial development and the need to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, who also attended the conference, stressed the need for further qualitative improvement and strengthening of police services for the public. Congratulating the Odisha Police on receiving the prestigious President’s Colour Award, she credited the force’s sustained dedication and service for making Odisha completely Naxal-free and for the successful and peaceful management of the world-famous Rath Yatra.
Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra thanked the Chief Minister for his suggestions and assured that the police would undertake more extensive measures in cyber security. He said special drives against anti-social activities, intensified patrolling in sensitive and security-critical areas and the campaign against illegal narcotics trafficking would be further strengthened.
Mishra assured that, in accordance with the Chief Minister’s directives, the police force would work with complete dedication to strengthen law and order across all districts of the state.
Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Hemant Sharma, Director of Intelligence and Director General of Police R.P. Koche, DGP (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda, and other DGPs and IGPs of the state were present at the conference.
