Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced an increase in the monthly allowance of grama rakhis (village watchmen) working in rural areas of Odisha, acknowledging their vital role in maintaining grassroots law and order.
As per the revised decision, the monthly allowance of village guards has been enhanced from ₹1,800 to ₹2,500, providing much-needed financial relief to the frontline rural security personnel. The decision is part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen policing and surveillance mechanisms in villages.
In addition to the allowance hike, the government has introduced a new attendance monitoring system. Under this arrangement, grama rakhis will now be required to visit and mark their attendance once every week at the police station under whose jurisdiction they are deployed. This move is aimed at improving coordination between village-level watchmen and the local police administration, while also ensuring accountability and regular engagement.
Grama rakhis serve as the first line of defence in rural areas, assisting the police in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, identification of criminals, and maintaining peace at the village level. Their familiarity with local residents and terrain makes them a critical link between communities and law enforcement agencies.
Officials said the revised allowance and attendance system would not only boost morale among village guards but also enhance the effectiveness of rural policing across the state.
