Bhubaneswar: The law and order situation in the State remained peaceful in the year 2020, said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, at valedictory session of 62nd Senior Police Officers’ Conference, 2020.
He commended the overall effort of Odisha Police in handling the Corona Pandemic situation with compassion and empathy. He paid homage to the departed souls and assure their families all support who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
“I am happy to note that within record time, special family pension has been sanctioned to 38 next of kin. Similarly, 29 next of kin have received Rs 50 Lakh ex-gratia compensation and rest should be processed without any delay. I also commend the 930 police personnel who have voluntarily donated plasma for treatment of Covid patients for their spirit of service.”, Naveen said
He also lauded the police for bringing a progressive and sustainable improvement in the Left Wing Extremism situation. Two brave hearts have laid down their lives this year in the fight against the Maoists, he said.
The LWE problem is dynamic in nature and keeps changing, close monitoring and focused efforts should continue, he added.
Patnaik also commended the work of SP, Malkangiri and Kandhamal for their achievement in dealing with LWE situation. He further appreciated the efforts of SP, Keonjhar and Angul for the overall improvement in the industrial atmosphere.
Referring Mo Sarkar, he said the aim of Mo Sarkar has been that people coming to Police Stations should be treated with dignity.
I would like to congratulate the State Police for organising an effective drive against Narcotic drugs throughout the State with the STF taking the lead. I am told that in this drive a record quantity of narcotics has been seized. Commendable work has been done by DIG, STF and SP, Koraput.
He however stressed on the special drive against organized crime and extortion with more focused efforts.
He also expressed concerned about low conviction rate and asked all police personnel to enhance conviction rate by factoring in modern technology into the investigation.
“Crime against women and children remains our focus area. I hereby announce creation of Special wing in Odisha Police to look after offences against women and children. I expect that with these initiatives, quality services will be provided to the women & children.”, he said.
“I am sure that State Police will come up with new ideas to improve its image by providing quality services,” he concluded the speech.