Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja Chairs High-Level Meeting on Administrative, Security, and Developmental Issues

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to address key administrative, security, and developmental concerns in the state. The meeting, which was attended by Collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), Inspectors General (IGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and senior officials from various departments, was focused on reviewing critical issues and setting the stage for future initiatives.

According to an official press release, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of decisions taken at the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in December 2024 and the 59th DGP-IGP Conference held in Bhubaneswar in late 2024. A total of 108 proposals presented at the DGP-IGP Conference were discussed, including matters related to administrative reforms, economic development, and the execution of central government schemes.

A key aspect of the meeting was the discussion on the implementation of new criminal laws in Odisha. Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania outlined the enactment of the Indian Justice Code, Indian Civil Protection Code, and Indian Evidence Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2024. He also highlighted the comprehensive training imparted to law enforcement personnel, with the state’s Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) now fully operational. In addition, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued to ensure the effective enforcement of the new legal framework.

To enhance policing, the state government has created 2,000 new positions for traffic personnel, established 20 new cyber police stations, and upgraded 14 existing cyber units. Awareness campaigns were also conducted at all 579 police stations in collaboration with civil society groups, bar associations, and volunteers.

The issue of Maoist activities in certain districts was another point of concern. The meeting emphasized the need for modern technology and intelligence gathering to address potential threats. SPs were directed to bolster security measures using cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the administration focused on improving mobile network coverage in vulnerable areas to strengthen communication in affected regions.

The Collectors were also instructed to step up the implementation of government schemes in Left-wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas. The Gramodaya Yojana, aimed at village development, was prioritized, while the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department was tasked with expediting house construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and the Antyodaya Housing Scheme.

In a major crackdown on illegal mining, the meeting stressed the need for stringent actions against illegal sand and stone quarries. Revenue, mining, and police officials were directed to form district-level and sub-divisional teams to conduct raids on unauthorized mining activities and file legal cases against violators. Collectors were asked to propose new sources of sand and black stone, with a target of increasing capacity by 150 times in each district.

The Rural Development Department was given a directive to improve connectivity in unconnected habitations. The Housing and Urban Development Department was advised to focus on enhancing urban infrastructure, while efforts to curb illegal ganja cultivation were discussed. Awareness campaigns targeting affected districts, in collaboration with local representatives, were also planned to address the issue.

Key officials in attendance included Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar, Principal Secretary of Rural Development and Food Supplies Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Law Department Manas Ranjan Barik, and Special Project Director of the Panchayati Raj Department Jyotiprakash Das.