State police see progress across units

Time of India

a day ago

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Bhubaneswar: As the Mohan Majhi govt marks its first year in office on Thursday, the Odisha police has seen significant progress across several areas, including staff recruitment, equipment upgrades, technological improvements, training enhancement, digital forensics and counter-insurgency operations throughout the year, according to a booklet, titled '1 year many milestones' compiled by the information and public relations (I&PR) department.
As per the govt booklet, at least 8,271 new posts were sanctioned in the home department to further strengthen the law and order situation in the state.
According to police sources, of those 8,271 posts, at least 4176 are meant exclusively for the state police force across various police ranks.
"Besides 2,500 new positions in the home guard division has been created. Additionally, 2,000 positions were established in the traffic division to handle urban traffic management across the state," the booklet read.
The govt's priority to fortify the state police force was reaffirmed by the chief minister during inauguration of a new office building of the DCP here on Tuesday. "Our govt has accorded focus to strengthen Odisha police, which succeeded in maintaining law and order in the last one year. To improve the operational capabilities of police personnel, we have provided them with new vehicles and investigation kits. The force is being strengthened with additional human resources, infrastructure, technology and logistics," the chief minister said on the sidelines of an event here on Tuesday.
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The budgetary allocation for Odisha Police increased from Rs 5,031 crore during the previous govt in 2023-24 to Rs 5,578 crore in 2024-25, representing a 10.8% rise. The current fiscal saw a further increase of 26.6%, reaching Rs 7,063 crore.
Considering the state's expanding industrial activities and security requirements at various industrial centres, Majhi recently announced the formation of an additional Odisha Industrial Security Force battalion.
To strengthen anti-Maoist operations, Majhi announced in Jan a substantial increase in the monthly 'risk allowance' for Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel, elevating it from Rs 8,000 to Rs 25,000. The SOG, established within Odisha Police in 2004, specialises in counter-terrorism and extremist operations.
"Three new Odisha special security battalions have been raised to support anti-Maoist operations," a senior police officer said.
Amid Indo-Pak tensions, govt enhanced Odisha police's readiness by establishing an anti-terrorism unit and acquiring two bulletproof armoured vehicles with light machine guns mounted on their roofs.
The state police acquired advanced drones for the first time to enhance coastal security operations and counter potential maritime threats. "The govt has sanctioned about Rs 150 crore to strengthen the coastal security wing.
At least 350 retired navy personnel have been engaged for coastal security. A command and control centre will soon be set up, adding teeth to our coastal security wing," the police officer said.
Cybercrime investigation received priority attention during the past year. The govt announced 20 new cyber police stations while upgrading 14 existing ones.
The police force underwent substantial modernisation during the last one year.
Police stations received investigation equipment including laptops, smartphones, and hard disks to enhance investigative capabilities. For the first time about Rs 50 crore budget was allocated for officers' investigation expenses.
"Each police station received new vehicles and motorcycles to ensure swift emergency response. Recently, 247 forensic officer positions were created to enhance the criminal justice system, in accordance with forensic evidence requirements outlined in the newly implemented criminal legislation," the senior police officer said.