Odisha CM directs police to enforce zero-tolerance policy on women’s safety

Bhubaneswar, Aug 13 (UNI) Reaffirming the Odisha government’s zero-tolerance policy on women’s safety, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed police to strengthen patrolling systems, particularly around schools and colleges, to ensure the safety of students.

Chairing a review meeting on crime and law and order, Majhi instructed senior police officers to remain in “action mode” at all times and to monitor enforcement measures regularly.
He stressed the need for decisive action so the general public feels secure.

The directive comes in the wake of at least four self-immolation incidents involving young women in the past month, which have caused political embarrassment to the BJP-led state government.
The Opposition Congress and BJD have accused the administration of systemic failure in curbing crimes against women.

Majhi also called for strict action to stop the smuggling of brown sugar into Odisha from neighbouring states and reviewed ongoing efforts to rescue missing women and children.
He also informed that 8,035 women and 3,306 girls have been rescued over the past year.

To address manpower shortages, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a special Police Recruitment Board to fill vacant posts in the department at the earliest.

According to the review, the law-and-order situation in Odisha remains generally under control, with crime rates in most categories showing a decline over the past year compared to the previous 15-year trend.
Majhi expressed satisfaction over the police department’s work in tackling illegal arms trafficking, smuggling, and the execution of non-bailable warrants.

He further directed that measures against drug trafficking and illegal cannabis cultivation be intensified and expanded.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Advisor Prakash Mishra, Advocate General Patrambar Acharya, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrat Sahu, Director General of Police YB Khurania, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shashwat Mishra.