Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Budget 2026-27 has put a strong emphasis on technology-led, citizen-centric reforms to bolster public safety, justice delivery, women’s security, digital governance, and overall law enforcement capabilities.
In a major push to combat rising cyber threats, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has announced Rs 89 crore for establishing a Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security. This facility will enhance the Odisha Police’s capabilities in cyber monitoring, digital forensics, capacity building, and advanced response mechanisms. “It will strengthen cyber monitoring, digital forensics, capacity building and advanced response capabilities, and significantly enhance the state’s preparedness for technology-driven crime and secure digital governance,” the Chief Minister stated in his budget speech.
To support timely and high-quality forensic investigations, Rs 30 crore has been allocated for upgrading forensic science laboratories across the state. Additionally, Rs 33 crore will go towards the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), enabling seamless digital integration of police stations, criminal records, and related databases for faster and more efficient policing.
Highlighting women’s safety as a priority, the government has earmarked Rs 117 crore under the Subhadra Surakhya Yojana to strengthen measures for their protection and security, integrating technology-driven initiatives with citizen-focused reforms.
For improved emergency services, Rs 61 crore has been proposed to upgrade the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS – Dial 112). This will ensure quicker access to police, fire, and medical assistance, enhancing overall public safety response times.
A notable announcement is the establishment of a Police Memorial in Bhubaneswar at the 7th OSAP Battalion campus, modelled on the National Police Memorial in New Delhi. The memorial to be built at a cost of 110 crore crore will honour police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and will have a ceremonial space for Police Commemoration Day events, a heritage and knowledge hub on Odisha’s policing history, and facilities to build greater public-police trust.
Majhi also reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to the Centre’s goal of eradicating Left-wing extremism by March 31. “On one hand, we are intensifying operations with the help of central armed police forces, and on the other, we are offering incentives to cadres who surrender, thereby reducing extremist ranks under a comprehensive rehabilitation policy,” he said, stressing the dual strategy.
