In a major push to strengthen law enforcement across the state, the Odisha Government has created 16,059 new posts in the police department over the past six months. This large-scale recruitment aims to improve law and order, tackle modern security threats, and enhance public safety from the grassroots to specialized sectors.
The move comes under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrat Sahu spearheading the implementation. This initiative marks a record-setting effort in state policing history.
1. Odisha Special Striking Force (OSSF)
- Posts Created: 3,009
- Purpose: To intensify anti-Naxal operations, especially in areas where Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have pulled out.
- Focus: Fighting Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and restoring peace in affected districts.
2. Swatantra Shrimandir Suraksha Bahini (SSMSV)
- Posts Created: 1,083
- Objective: Exclusive security for the Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri.
- Why It Matters: The temple is a major religious and cultural symbol, and this force reflects the state’s emphasis on protecting heritage and faith-based institutions.
3. Similipal Tiger Reserve Armed Constabulary
- Personnel Deployed: 131
- Goal: Security for Similipal Tiger Reserve and surrounding areas.
- Importance: Tackling wildlife crimes, encroachments and improving eco-tourism safety in the Mayurbhanj district.
4. Cyber Crime & Economic Offences (CC&EO) Police Stations
- Posts Created: 1,067
- What’s New:
- All 14 existing CC&EO police stations were strengthened.
- 20 new stations set up – now every police district has a dedicated cybercrime unit.
- Reason: Rapid increase in cyber frauds and economic crimes.
5. Traffic & Road Safety Branch
- Posts Created: 2,000
- Aim: Better traffic regulation, fewer road accidents, and improved public discipline on roads.
6. Home Guards
- Posts Created: 5,126
- Role: These are voluntary personnel who help in community policing, crowd control, and emergency response.
- Why It’s Crucial: They act as the first line of public contact during festivals, rallies, or local law enforcement needs.
7. Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF)
- Posts Created: 3,120
- Highlights:
- Three new battalions formed.
- Two assigned to Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) under a 20-year agreement.
- 204 of these posts are outsourced, signaling a public-private partnership in industrial security.
- Function: Protect key industrial infrastructure and assets.
8. State Forensic Science Service
- Posts Created: 256
- Purpose: Strengthen forensic labs to ensure faster and more accurate crime investigations using scientific methods.
9. Directorate of Public Prosecutions
- Posts Created: 267
- Why It’s Important: As policing becomes more effective, there’s a need for equally strong prosecution teams to carry cases through the courts.
Government’s Vision: Safe, Modern, and Efficient Policing
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has clearly prioritized internal security and law enforcement modernization. By expanding specialized units and general police services, the state is preparing to face:
- Modern crimes like cyber fraud, digital scams, and economic offences.
- Traditional challenges like Naxalism, religious site security, and wildlife protection.
- Urban issues such as traffic congestion and industrial thefts.
Satyabrat Sahu’s Role: Setting a New Record
Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, has been praised for managing this large-scale administrative effort. Under his leadership, all 16,059 posts were created within six months — a landmark achievement for the department.
