Police given 'absolute power' to act in cases of crimes against women: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi

The Hindu

a day ago

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday (August 15, 2025) said he has given "absolute power" to the police to take action against those involved in crimes against women.
Addressing the Independence Day function at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, Mr. Majhi said his government will not hesitate to bring a special legislation to "completely end" organised crimes.
From the function, the CM also announced that an additional 5 kg of rice will be provided to the poor people in 11 districts for three months.
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"People who are involved in crimes against women have no place in society, they must be in jail. Therefore, I have given absolute power to the police to take necessary actions in such cases," he said.
Mr. Majhi said nobody, how influential he may be, will be spared if he is involved in crimes against women. The statement came as the State reported a slew of crimes against women, with the Opposition raising questions on the law and order situation.
"The law and order situation of the State is more or less under control. However, we have to strengthen and make it more effective," he said. Noting that intoxication was one of the major factors behind the rise in crimes, Mr. Majhi said he has directed the police to against such activities.
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"The government will take all measures to firmly control 'goodaraj'. The process of identification of criminals has already started," he said.
"In order to completely end organised crimes, the State Government will not hesitate to bring special legislation. Extortion and other such activities are completely illegal and those will be considered as organised crimes and dealt with firmly," he said.
Mr. Majhi said his government was committed to making colleges and universities safe for women by implementing initiatives such as 'Shaktishree'. He maintained that women's empowerment is not just a slogan for his government.
"We have provided financial assistance to more than 1 crore women through 'Subhadra Yojana'. Women have been able to become small entrepreneurs by utilising the assistance. The State has so far produced 17 lakh 'lakhpati didis'," he said.
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The CM said the State's commitment to women's empowerment is evident from the 2025-26 annual Budget, in which allocations of $89,861 crore have been made for schemes in regard to this.
Listing the social welfare measures undertaken by his government, Mr. Majhi announced that 27 lakh poor families, who are beneficiaries of the 'Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana', in 11 districts will be given 5 kg additional rice per month for three months free of charge.
He said the government will spend ₹180 crore to distribute 41,082 tonne of additional rice among them. Outlining the achievements of his government, the CM presented a roadmap for the State's development.
He said the government has been working to strengthen education, healthcare, and infrastructure, with special focus on the welfare of senior citizens.
"A proposal has been made to upgrade MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur. The government is also making arrangements for affordable accommodation for attendants of patients in three large medical colleges in the State," he said.
"Under the Vaya Vandana scheme, medical benefits worth ₹936 crore have been extended to people aged more than 70," he said. Maintaining that his government was tough on corruption, Mr. Majhi warned officials against indulging in any irregularities.
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"The Vigilance Department's sword is hanging. I have directed authorities to take action first and then consider the post of officials. Every night of the corrupt will be spent in fear and sorrow, I guarantee this," he said.
Stating that industrialisation of all districts was a priority of his government, Mr. Majhi noted that the State will soon host a conclave to bring in investments in the pharmaceutical sector. He said plans are afoot to formulate new schemes for the empowerment of the youth. Mr. Majhi also appealed to all to work in tandem for the development of the State.
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"In a democracy, everyone has the right to criticise the government, and it should be done. However, while criticising the government, sometimes some individuals and organisations are crossing the line between 'government' and 'nation', which is not good. We may differ on issues, but when it comes to the nation, all should unite," he said.
Mr. Majhi said his government will continue to work for preserving and promoting the Odia identity.