Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated the new Training -cum-Briefing Hall of Special Operations Group (SOG), Chandaka in the state capital, marking a major boost to Odisha’s counter-insurgency and anti-terror preparedness. The newly inaugurated facility has the capacity to train up to 400 jawans at a time.
Alongside this, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art Counter Terrorism Training Complex at the same location, aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and tactical capabilities of elite police forces.
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated police infrastructure projects across 16 districts, including police station buildings, 70 residential quarters, office buildings, barracks, armouries, administrative structures, and other allied facilities.
Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi asserted that there is no place for violence in a democratic society and reiterated the government’s firm resolve to strictly deal with organisations and individuals involved in violent activities. He appealed to Maoists to surrender, join the mainstream of society, and become partners in the state’s development journey.
Highlighting the role of SOG, the Chief Minister said its contribution in suppressing the Maoist problem that has plagued Odisha for over three decades is unparalleled. He expressed confidence that the state is moving in line with the Union government’s goal of eliminating Naxalism from the country by March 2026.
Referring to recent developments, CM Majhi said the group surrender of 22 Maoists in Malkangiri district is an encouraging sign. He attributed the success in anti-Naxal operations to the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the strategic leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that the country is rapidly progressing towards peace and development.
The Chief Minister also announced a risk allowance for SOG and other forces engaged in Naxal suppression operations. From December onwards, SOG personnel directly involved in operations will receive allowances of up to ₹25,000 per month. Subedars and Deputy Subedars will receive ₹24,000, Havildars ₹20,000, and Constables and Sepoys ₹16,000 per month.
Personnel of SOG, AET and RC engaged in training or other non-operational duties will receive up to ₹12,000 per month. District Voluntary Force personnel will receive allowances of up to ₹10,000 per month, while Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) employees will receive up to ₹20,000 per month.
To further strengthen the police force, CM Majhi said the state government has established three Odisha Special Striking Force (OSSF) battalions, three Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) units, ten new ODRAF units, a Traffic and Road Safety Wing, 21 Cyber and Economic Offences police stations, and a new police district at Rairangpur. He added that the government has approved the creation of 15,326 new posts in the police department.
The Chief Minister also informed that the revised “Surrender and Rehabilitation” scheme has been approved, under which surrendering Maoists can avail benefits of up to ₹1.20 crore, including housing, education support, marriage assistance, vocational training, and a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for employment.
During the programme, SOG commandos staged a high-risk anti-terrorism demonstration, showcasing operational precision and preparedness.
DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, ADGP (ANO) Sanjeev Panda, IGP Operations Deepak Kumar, DIG SIW Akhileshwar Singh, senior police officers and SOG personnel were present on the occasion.
