Bhubaneswar: Issuing ten guidelines for Odisha Police, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday called for a more proactive, technology-driven and citizen-centric policing mechanism in the state.
Addressing the state-level DGP and IGP conference at the State Police Headquarters, the Chief Minister said the focus of the police force needs to be on effective crime control, cyber security, drug trafficking, coastal security and improving the conviction rate.
The state government, he said, would provide all necessary resources, grants and administrative support for implementing police reforms and strengthening the state’s security landscape.
Placing emphasis on the behaviour of police personnel towards ordinary citizens, Majhi said every person approaching a police station with a complaint should be treated as a victim and dealt with empathy and sensitivity. “Criminals should tremble at the sight of the police, not innocent citizens,” he said.
The ten priorities prescribed by the CM 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 donation, and ensuring corruption-free and dedicated policing.
Stressing that government’s zero-tolerance approach would continue against violence against women and organised crime, the Chief Minister said the state’s conviction rate, which was earlier low, had now crossed 40 per cent and set a target of taking it to at least 75 per cent. Investigation should be made more professional and technology-based to improve conviction outcomes, he said.
With the festive season approaching, the Chief Minister asked the police to take firm action against ‘Dada Bati’ and illegal forced collection of donations by anti-social elements.
Regarding the goal of making Odisha drug-free by 2029, Majhi said police action should go beyond seizures and arrests. Police should dismantle the entire narcotics supply chain, illegal trafficking networks and financial syndicates supporting the drug trade, he said.
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.
The Chief Minister aso 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.
The conference was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, In-Charge DGP Vinaytosh Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of 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.
