Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday unveiled a 10-point roadmap for smart policing, directing the State police to strengthen crime control, modernise investigations and make policing more citizen-friendly.
Addressing the State-level DGP and IGP Conference at the State Police Headquarters in Bhubaneswar, Majhi reviewed law and order, internal security, cybercrime and the future of policing in Odisha. He assured the police department of necessary resources, funds and administrative support to implement the proposed reforms.
Interacting with Superintendents of Police and senior officers through videoconferencing, the Chief Minister outlined key priorities covering conviction rates, drug control, coastal security, cybercrime, intelligence gathering, police station modernisation and citizen services.
Majhi placed particular emphasis on citizen-friendly policing, directing police personnel to treat every complainant approaching a police station as a victim and respond with empathy, sensitivity and courtesy.
He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women and organised crime. Referring to NCRB data, Majhi said Odisha’s conviction rate had improved significantly to more than 40 per cent and set a target of raising it to at least 75 per cent. He directed police officers to make investigations more professional, scientific and technology-driven.
With the festive season approaching, the Chief Minister ordered stringent action against individuals involved in dada bati and illegal forced collection of money. He also called for dedicated efforts to curb organised criminal activities and ensure that anti-social elements do not intimidate citizens or businesses.
Another major priority is the government’s goal of making Odisha completely drug-free by 2029. Majhi directed the police to move beyond seizures and arrests and focus on dismantling the supply chains, financial networks and broader infrastructure supporting the illegal drug trade.
The Chief Minister also reviewed security arrangements along Odisha’s 575-km coastline. A Command and Control Centre has been established in Bhubaneswar, while procurement of 10 drones, five trawlers and 10 modern interceptor boats is underway. Beach patrolling has been strengthened through All-Terrain Vehicles, while Special Police Officers and ex-servicemen have been deployed to reinforce maritime security.
On cybercrime and financial fraud, Majhi stressed the importance of large-scale public awareness campaigns and greater adoption of advanced technology. He called for close monitoring of dark-web activities and stronger intelligence mechanisms through platforms such as NATGRID and CCTNS.
Modernisation of police stations was also highlighted as a key component of the roadmap. Majhi said necessary equipment had been provided to upgrade police infrastructure and noted that a special investigation fund of Rs 50 crore had been created.
The Chief Minister further directed the police force to work towards completely corruption-free policing, strengthen intelligence gathering, prevent illegal infiltration and intensify surveillance in vulnerable and strategically important areas.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg stressed the need to further improve the quality of police services delivered to citizens. DGP Binayatosh Mishra thanked the Chief Minister for his directions and assured that measures to strengthen cyber security and combat the illegal drug trade would be intensified.
He also said police patrolling would be strengthened in sensitive and strategically important areas to prevent anti-social activities and improve overall security.
10 Key Focus Areas
- Raise the conviction rate to 75%
- Make Odisha drug-free by 2029
- Strengthen coastal and maritime security
- Combat cybercrime, financial fraud and dark-web threats
- Strengthen intelligence mechanisms through NATGRID and CCTNS
- Modernise police stations and investigations
- Ensure courteous and sensitive policing
- Crack down on forced extortion and dada bati
- Strengthen action against organised crime and violence against women
- Build a corruption-free, dedicated police force
