By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced that 1043 Members Special Security Battalion for Jagannath Temple and Rath Yatra will soon be formed and 2,098 home guards will be recruited to bolster the police force.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi announced a comprehensive modernisation plan during the Collectors-SPs conference held in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The Chief Minister emphasized the state government’s commitment to transforming the Odisha Police into one of the best units in the country.
The state government is also focused on improving infrastructure to ensure police officials can effectively respond to emergencies. This includes the provision of 9,000 motorcycles and additional four-wheelers for each police station. Furthermore, ten new police outposts will be established in medical colleges, and 10 more Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units will be set up, ensuring one unit per district.
CM Majhi addressed senior officials of Odisha Police, expressing concerns over the poor conviction rate in cases of crimes against women over the past 22 years.
The Chief Minister called for a comprehensive report from the Director General of Police (DGP) within a week, detailing district-wise data on crimes against women, pending convictions, and other relevant information. He highlighted the need for a thorough review and legal consultations to prepare a future roadmap for improving the situation.
CM Majhi stressed that the state government is committed to zero tolerance against crimes targeting women and children, promising stern action against offenders, regardless of their influence or power. He urged the police to ensure that women, students, and girls can move freely and safely across the state.
CM Majhi highlighted the importance of addressing public grievances at any hour, even at 2 am. He stressed that immediate action on complaints is crucial for gaining the trust of the people, particularly in light of rising crime rates in the state.
Majhi urged senior police officials to ensure that those visiting police stations, especially women, are treated with respect and their grievances are heard promptly. He also called for the strengthening of women and child helpdesks and the extensive use of technology to combat cybercrime and illegal narcotics.
