Focus on women’s safety, cybercrime, drug trafficking and citizen-friendly policing

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 29: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for a stronger, more responsive and technology-driven police system while outlining a 10-point policing roadmap at the state-level DGP–IGP conference held in Bhubaneswar.

The conference brought together senior police officials to deliberate on the state’s law-and-order situation, emerging security challenges, crime prevention, investigation and measures to improve public confidence in the police administration.

Addressing the senior officers, Chief Minister Majhi stressed the need for professional policing and effective investigation. He said improving the quality of investigations and strengthening the prosecution process would be crucial for securing better conviction rates and ensuring justice for victims.

One of the key areas highlighted during the conference was the safety of women. The government has set an ambitious target of improving the conviction rate in crimes against women to at least 75 per cent. The Chief Minister emphasised that cases involving crimes against women must be investigated professionally and handled with sensitivity.

The conference also placed considerable emphasis on tackling cybercrime and drug trafficking, two challenges that have emerged as major concerns for law-enforcement agencies. With the rapid expansion of digital technology, police departments have been urged to strengthen their cyber investigation capabilities and adopt modern technological tools to detect and prevent online crimes.

Drug trafficking was another major concern discussed during the meeting. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of coordinated action to prevent the illegal drug trade and protect young people and communities from its harmful effects.

Coastal security and other emerging security threats also figured prominently in the discussions. Odisha’s extensive coastline requires continuous monitoring and effective coordination among security agencies, particularly in view of evolving internal-security challenges.

Majhi also underlined the importance of improving the relationship between police personnel and citizens. He said people visiting police stations with complaints should be treated with dignity, empathy and sensitivity. The police, he noted, must ensure that ordinary citizens feel protected and confident while approaching law-enforcement agencies.

At the same time, the Chief Minister called for a firm approach against criminals, stressing that effective policing requires both public sensitivity and strong action against those involved in criminal activities.

The state government, he said, would extend the necessary financial, administrative and logistical support for strengthening the police force and implementing modern policing initiatives.

Senior police officers reviewed various aspects of law and order and discussed strategies to improve policing standards across Odisha. The emphasis was on combining technology, professional investigation, accountability and public-oriented policing.

The state-level DGP–IGP conference is expected to provide a framework for future policing priorities in Odisha. The 10-point roadmap announced at the meeting is aimed at strengthening the state's law-enforcement machinery and creating a safer environment for citizens.

The Chief Minister’s directives underline the government’s broader objective of building a police force that is efficient in fighting crime, modern in its use of technology and compassionate in its dealings with the public.

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