In 3rd review this month, Mohan Charan Majhi bats for stronger law and order situation

Bhubaneswar: Working through the Saturday holiday, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state’s law and order situation, and progress on key schemes, besides assessing his govt’s delivery on poll promises, with top officials.This is the third such review on law and order with the police top brass this month — after May 9 and May 14 — as the govt approaches the completion of its two years in office, with an emphasis on visible improvement on the ground.In the presence of additional chief secretary (home) and DGP Y B Khurania, and CM’s adviser and retired IPS officer Prakash Mishra, Majhi examined the action taken on his May 14 directives on proactive policing, aimed at inspiring public confidence and deterring criminals.“A peaceful law and order situation is essential for the state’s development,” the CM said, asking the police to discharge duties with efficiency and remain vigilant.“The message was clear: a peaceful law and order environment is non-negotiable — the most fundamental requirement for Odisha’s growth; everything else follows,” a senior govt official said.The review comes against the backdrop of recent mob violence incidents, including the lynching of a railway constable on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.Sources said the DGP briefed the CM on intensified patrolling and increased police visibility.Majhi sought details on the steps taken since May 14 to improve response time, tackle organised crime and extortion, and enhance women’s safety. He also asked about the measures to strengthen professionalism and accountability within the force.Officials said the home department and police highlighted improved coordination with district administrations, better crime mapping, strengthened intelligence gathering and targeted action against organised crime.Separately, Majhi assessed the potential fallout of the West Asia situation on the state’s development trajectory and industrialisation plans, and discussed countermeasures to cushion any impact as the state pursues its ‘Viksit Odisha 2036’ goal. He earlier announced to keep the June 12 anniversary low-key and announced austerity measures in the wake of the situation.