CM Majhi Inaugurates SOG Training Hall, Counter Terrorism Complex; Announces ₹25,000 Risk Allowance for Elite Forces

Bhubaneswar: Strengthening Odisha’s fight against extremism and terrorism, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated a new Training-cum-Briefing Hall of the Special Operations Group (SOG) at Chandaka, along with a state-of-the-art Counter Terrorism Training Complex, marking a major push to enhance the operational readiness of elite police forces. The newly developed training hall has the capacity to train up to 400 jawans simultaneously.

The twin facilities are aimed at sharpening counter-insurgency and anti-terror capabilities of Odisha Police, particularly in tackling left-wing extremism and emerging security challenges.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also inaugurated police infrastructure projects across 16 districts, comprising new police station buildings, 70 residential quarters, office complexes, barracks, armouries, administrative structures and allied facilities, significantly strengthening the state’s policing ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi asserted that violence has no place in a democratic society and reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance approach towards organisations and individuals indulging in violent activities. He appealed to Maoists to lay down arms, surrender, and join the mainstream, urging them to become partners in Odisha’s development journey.

Highlighting the role of the SOG, the Chief Minister said its contribution in curbing the Maoist menace that has affected parts of Odisha for over three decades is unparalleled. He expressed confidence that Odisha is progressing in line with the Union government’s target of eliminating Naxalism by March 2026.

Referring to recent successes, CM Majhi described the group surrender of 22 Maoists in Malkangiri district as a positive and encouraging development. He credited the success of anti-Naxal operations to the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the strategic leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, stating that the country is steadily moving towards peace and inclusive development.

In a significant morale-boosting announcement, the Chief Minister declared a risk allowance for SOG and other forces engaged in Naxal suppression operations. From December onwards, SOG personnel directly involved in operations will receive allowances of up to ₹25,000 per month. Subedars and Deputy Subedars will receive ₹24,000, Havildars ₹20,000, while Constables and Sepoys will receive ₹16,000 per month.

Personnel of SOG, AET and RC engaged in training or non-operational duties will receive allowances of up to ₹12,000 per month. District Voluntary Force personnel will be eligible for allowances of up to ₹10,000, while Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) employees will receive up to ₹20,000 per month.

Outlining broader police reforms, CM Majhi said the state government has set up three Odisha Special Striking Force (OSSF) battalions, three Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) units, ten new ODRAF units, a dedicated Traffic and Road Safety Wing, 21 Cyber and Economic Offences police stations, and a new police district at Rairangpur. He added that the government has approved the creation of 15,326 new posts in the police department.

The Chief Minister also announced that the revised “Surrender and Rehabilitation” scheme has been approved, under which surrendering Maoists can avail benefits of up to ₹1.20 crore, including housing support, education assistance, marriage aid, vocational training and a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for employment.

The programme concluded with a high-risk anti-terrorism demonstration by SOG commandos, showcasing their precision, preparedness and advanced tactical skills.