CM Mohan Majhi calls for stronger coordination and zero tolerance against crime at Bhubaneswar Conference 

CM Urges Maoists to Surrender and Return to Mainstream Life 

“Crime and violence against women will be dealt with severely,” Says Majhi 

By Sukanta Kumar Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivered a compelling address at the joint conference of District Collectors and Superintendents of Police, stressing the need for cohesive governance, enhanced law enforcement, and zero tolerance towards crime.

Welcoming the participants and acknowledging their commitment, the CM outlined the government’s expectations and underscored the crucial role of the police in maintaining peace and security in the state.

Majhi praised the Odisha Police as a disciplined, people-focused force, despite occasional challenges posed by a few errant individuals. He commended their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections and recognized their pivotal role in curbing Maoist activities. “There was a time when half of our state was affected by Maoists, but with the joint efforts of our state police and central security personnel, the situation was brought under control,” Majhi said.

He paid tribute to the police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the fight against Naxalism and reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating Maoist activities within a set timeframe, providing all necessary resources, including arms and ammunition.

Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pledge to end Maoist activity by March 31, 2026, the CM urged Maoists to surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society. He assured that the government would maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards crime, especially violence against women.

“Any violence against women will be dealt with severely,” Majhi emphasized, expressing concern over the low conviction rate of 9.73% in cases of violence against women between 2020 and 2022. He called on the Director General of Police (DGP) to compile district-wise data on such incidents and highlighted the importance of police conduct when handling grievances, particularly those involving women and children.

Majhi recounted a personal experience of mistreatment at a police station in Keonjhar to emphasize the need for a more empathetic and responsive police force. He urged officers to demonstrate empathy and ensure that all complainants, including the physically challenged, are heard promptly.

“Service and protection — Seva and Suraksha — is the mantra of the Odisha Police,” the CM stated, advocating for awareness initiatives to foster public perception of the police as allies of the community.

The CM called for a change in the work culture among officials, urging them not to limit their responsibilities to standard office hours. He shared his own example of working late at the state secretariat and encouraged others to dedicate more time to their duties.

“We must strive to make Odisha the most vibrant and prosperous state, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Majhi said, applauding the police’s efforts in tackling cybercrime and advocating for improved wages for home guards.

Announcing new measures to enhance the police force, Majhi revealed plans to provide an additional four-wheeler to each police station and distribute 9,000 motorcycles to Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, Inspectors-in-Charge, and Officers-in-Charge. He also announced the formation of ten additional Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units and the enhancement of 19 coastal police stations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to boosting police morale.

Majhi emphasized the need for synergy in governance, highlighting that District Collectors and Superintendents of Police must work in close coordination. “Past differences between Collectors and SPs will no longer be tolerated,” he asserted, urging unified efforts towards building a secure, prosperous, and vibrant Odisha.

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Photograph: A still from the video of Odisha CM addressing the joint conference of Collectors and SPs in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.