An important meeting was held on Thursday, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, with District Magistrates and Security Officers from various departments of the state.
The focus of the meeting was on the implementation of the new criminal law, review of Maoist-affected areas, and the implementation of the Gramodaya Yojana.
Present at the meeting were the State General Administration and Public Prosecution Department, Steel and Mines Department Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar, State Director General of Police Shri Y.B. Khurania, and other senior officials from the state and police administration. District Collectors and District Security Officers, along with various Ranger IGs and DIGs, joined the meeting virtually.
The Chief Secretary discussed the district-specific implementation of decisions taken at the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in New Delhi in December 2024 and the three-day 59th DGP-IGP Conference held in Bhubaneswar in November- December last year. He emphasized the implementation of 108 proposals from the DGP-IGP Conference and various programs for Odisha’s development. Key topics included the Economic Survey 2024-25, the implementation of Central Schemes, and efforts to regulate administrative systems for state prosperity.
State Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania provided insights into the implementation of new criminal laws in Odisha. Enacted in 2023, the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Civil Code, and the Indian Evidence Act became operational on July 1, 2024. Training was given to employees across all criminal justice departments, and the Odisha Police implemented CCTNS for tracking crimes and criminal cases. Public awareness campaigns have been organized with the cooperation of civil society and local bar associations across all 579 districts.
Shri Khurania also addressed measures to curb Maoist activities, enhance mobile network strengthening, and improve road connectivity in affected areas. Steps were taken to tackle ganja smuggling and destroy large-scale ganja cultivation. District Collectors were advised to coordinate for effective implementation of government schemes under the Gramodaya scheme.
The Chief Secretary directed District Collectors and Security Officers to launch a comprehensive enforcement campaign to stop illegal mining and transportation of minor minerals. Strict actions were emphasized against illegal sand and stone quarries, with district-level teams responsible for implementation. New sources of sand and black stone were to be identified in each district.
The meeting also focused on reviewing the construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (Gramin) and Antaoday Griha Yojana and central urban development initiatives.
