Govt Follows Zero Tolerance Policy Towards Crime Against Women, Says Naveen In Assembly

Bhubaneswar: The overall law and order situation in Odisha has remained largely peaceful and under control, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday.

“Communal harmony has been maintained. There was no significant law and order incident on the students, services, industrial, labour and agrarian front. The Maoist scenario in the state has also shown remarkable improvement,” said Naveen in reply on Home and GA&PG demand in the Assembly.

Stating that more than 5,000 candidates have been appointed in Odisha Police and the Prisons Organisation this year, he said clearance has been given to fill up more than 3,300 posts in police and almost a thousand in prisons and fire services.

Under 5T charter, Odisha Police launched Monitoring of Atrocity, National Commission Cases and Assistance to Victims (MANAV) portal in August 2023 to expedite the investigation cases under SC and ST Prevention of Atrocity Act and timely delivery of compensation to the victims, he added.

“We have zero tolerance towards crime and particularly crime against women. We have ensured free, fair, and impartial investigation. However, I am pained to see politicisation of very sensitive cases for narrow vested interests. This is an injustice to the victims of the case, to the committed police persons who work day and night and also to the people of Odisha. Even a lady officer on duty was physically assaulted. This cannot be tolerated in a civilised society,” the chief minister said.

On the General Administration & Public Grievances department demand, he said the Mo Sarkar initiative has instilled confidence in the citizens on the public services. Recruitment examinations by the three recruiting Commissions are being conducted regularly. This year, the Commissions have recommended more than 12,000 candidates for appointment.

“It is very encouraging to see that in almost all major parameters like registration and disposal of corruption cases and conviction and dismissal of convicted public servants, Odisha is among the top performing states in the country,” Naveen said on Lokayukta and Vigilance.

“People are watching the conduct of the Opposition and how desperate they are to stall development works. Our government will continue to march ahead transforming our Odisha into New Odisha and Empowered Odisha,” he added.