Odisha steps up anti-drug drive with specialised training for 446 Excise constables

Bhubaneswar: With the state government stepping up efforts to curb the illegal trade and trafficking of narcotic substances, Odisha has begun a 40-day training programme for 446 Excise constables to strengthen their legal, investigative and enforcement skills.

The programme, organised by the Excise Department, was inaugurated on Wednesday by Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who said strengthening the capacity of the enforcement machinery would be crucial to achieving the government’s goal of a drug-free Odisha.

Harichandan said the government would intensify its crackdown on illegal drugs and narcotics, in line with the broader objective of building a drug-free India emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

He said the Excise Department had made significant efforts over the past two years to prevent and systematically act against the illegal drug trade. The department, he added, would expand such efforts further in the coming days.

Training to sharpen field-level enforcement

The Minister underlined the importance of continuous training for personnel involved in enforcement duties. He said training should go beyond being a formal requirement and should help employees improve their knowledge, professional efficiency, discipline, integrity and conduct.

He urged the constables undergoing the course to acquire a thorough understanding of the laws and procedures covered during the training and apply their learning effectively while performing their duties.

40-day course to cover key criminal laws

Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy gave an overview of the training programme and highlighted its importance in improving the professional capabilities of Excise personnel.

Of the 446 constables selected for the programme, 150 will undergo training in the first phase.

The 40-day course will cover a wide range of subjects relevant to their responsibilities, including Excise laws and rules, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Indian Evidence Act, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Government Servants’ Conduct Rules.

The training is expected to improve the personnel’s understanding of legal provisions, enforcement procedures and evidence-related requirements, enabling them to deal more effectively with cases involving illegal drugs and narcotics.

The initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen the Excise enforcement mechanism and intensify action against the illicit drug trade across Odisha.