Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Friday said he has given “absolute power” to the police to take action against those involved in crimes against women.
Addressing the Independence Day function at the Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said his government will not hesitate to bring a special legislation to “completely end” organised crimes.
“People who are involved in crimes against women have no place in society; they must be in jail. Therefore, I have given absolute power to the police to take necessary actions in such cases,” he said after hoisting the national flag.
Majhi said nobody, how influential he may be, will be spared if he is involved in crimes against women.
The statement came as the state reported a slew of crimes against women, with the opposition raising questions on the law and order situation.
“The law and order situation of the state is more or less under control. However, we have to strengthen and make it more effective,” he said.
Noting that intoxication was one of the major factors behind the rise in crimes, Majhi said that he has directed the police to against such activities.
“The government will take all measures to firmly control ‘goodaraj’. The process of identification of criminals has already started,” he said.
“In order to completely end organised crimes, the state government will not hesitate to bring special legislation. Extortion and other such activities are completely illegal and those will be considered as organised crimes and dealt with firmly,” he said.
Majhi said his government was committed to making colleges and universities safe for women by implementing initiatives like ‘Shaktishree’.
He maintained that women’s empowerment is not just a slogan for his government.
“We have provided financial assistance to over 1 crore women through ‘Subhadra Yojana’. Women have been able to become small entrepreneurs by utilising the assistance. The state has so far produced 17 lakh ‘lakhpati didis’,” he said.
Majhi said the state’s commitment to women’s empowerment is evident from the 2025-26 annual budget, in which allocations of Rs 89,861 crore have been made for schemes in regard to this.
Outlining the achievements of his government, the CM presented a roadmap for Odisha’s development.
He said the government has been working to strengthen education, healthcare, and infrastructure, with special focus on the welfare of senior citizens.
“Under the Vaya Vandana scheme, medical benefits worth Rs 936 crore have been extended to people aged over 70,” he said.
Stating that industrialisation of all districts was a priority of his government, Majhi noted that the state will soon host a conclave to bring in investments in the pharmaceutical sector.
He said plans are afoot to formulate new schemes for the empowerment of the youth.
The CM said his government will continue to work for preserving and promoting the Odia identity.
PTI