Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said that the law and order scenario in Odisha is by and large under control and has rather improved in the past few years.
“Besides, crime scenario of the state is also well under control vis-a-vis other states of the country, he said in a statement in the State Assembly.
The chief minister further said there has been a progressive decline in the Maoist violence in the state while the number of civilian killings by the Maoists has also come down.
Stating that protection of women, children and weaker sections of the society is a priority of his government, he said special emphasis is given on prompt registration of cases, professionalism in investigation and dispensing quick and visible justice to the victims.
“Police authorities have been instructed to take strong and adequate legal action in offences against women and girl children like outraging of modesty, eve teasing, molestation, acid attack, sexual harassment, voyeurism, stalking etc. Heinous cases against women and children are monitored by senior police officers. Holding Investigating Officers and Special Public Prosecutors are appointed to ensure speedy and efficacious trial in these cases,” the chief minister told the House.
Besides, police stations have been asked to keep track of single employed women like Sikshya Sahayaks, staff nurses etc living in their jurisdiction and provide them police assistance, whenever approached by them and to introduce police patrolling and picketing near working women’s hostels, women’s colleges, women’s training centres etc, he added.
“This apart, to keep tabs on anti-social elements, installation of CCTVs is being ensured in all large public foot fall places such as malls, cinema halls, big shops, bus stands etc at the cost of respective owners and organizations,” Naveen said, adding that dedicated women and child helplines are functional all over the state and prompt action is taken on any complaint they receive.
Regular awareness and training programmes on gender related issues are also being organized for sensitisation of various stakeholders.
Reiterating the resolve of his government for providing safety and security to the women and girl children of the state, the chief minister said the state government is committed to maintain peace and harmony of the state and to solve the burning issues of the people with our collective efforts, wisdom and vision.
He urged upon the members to rise above politics and focus on inclusive growth of the people of the state specially the weaker sections.
