Odisha CM Boosts Anti-Maoist Efforts with New Training Centre, Risk Allowance
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Bhubaneswar, Odisha - In a bid to strengthen the state's anti-Maoist forces, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday unveiled a state-of-the-art training and briefing centre for the Special Operations Group (SOG). The new centre, located in Chandaka, will enable the training of up to 400 personnel at a time, significantly bolstering the SOG's operational capabilities. The CM also inaugurated 16 police stations, 70 police quarters, barracks, armouries, office, and administrative buildings in 16 districts, underscoring the government's commitment to upgrading the state's law enforcement infrastructure. Majhi praised the SOG for its crucial role in anti-naxal operations and emphasized the government's resolve to crack down on violent organizations and individuals. He appealed to Maoists to surrender and rejoin society, urging them to become 'pilots of the state's progress.' The CM expressed confidence that Odisha would meet the Centre's target of eliminating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026, citing the recent mass surrender of 22 Maoists in Malkangiri district as an encouraging step towards this goal. In a significant move, Majhi announced a risk allowance for SOG personnel and other anti-Naxal agencies. Effective from December, SOG officers directly involved in anti-Naxal operations will receive a maximum allowance of ₹25,000 per month. Other personnel, including Subedars, Deputy Subedars, Havildars, Constables, and Sepoys, will also receive varying allowances ranging from ₹16,000 to ₹24,000 per month. Employees of the District Volunteer Force will receive a maximum monthly allowance of ₹10,000, while Special Intelligence Wing staff will get ₹20,000. The government has also set up several new units, including three Odisha Special Striking Force battalions, three Odisha Industrial Security Force battalions, and 10 new ODRAF units. In addition, the government has approved the creation of 15,326 new posts in the police department, a move aimed at further strengthening the state's law enforcement capabilities.
