October 8
Extremism-related activities were effectively under control in the State of Odisha, and the Swabhiman Anchal in Koraput, which was once thought to be the hotbed of extremism, could be cleared of them due to an increase in local developmental initiatives. Actions were being taken to counter them as and where their ugly hands appeared, based on well-planned intelligence-based plans.
To curtail the left-wing extremism (LWE) activities further in the State, the Odisha Government rolled out an Annual Work Plan (AWP) of Rs. 85.85 cr. which is about 50% more than that of the AWP-2021-22. The AWP-2021-22 was rolled out with a budget outlay of around Rs 50.56 cr. The funds for AWP 2022-23 would be shared by both the Central and State Govt on a 60:40 sharing basis.
The Annual Work Plan was approved in State Level Committee held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra in Lokseba Bhawan conference hall on Friday wherein I.G Operations Amitav Thakur presented the updated situation with a proposed work plan for discussion.
While giving a nod to the AWP, Chief Secretary Sri Mahapatra directed to intensify community mobilization and confidence-building activities in the suspected left-wing infected pockets. He specifically directed them to stay connected with the people and community, know their concerns and raise their confidence level.
Sri Mahapatra also directed to support better alternative livelihood activities and children’s education in the communities. He said, “People’s confidence and participation would go a long way in rooting out LWE activities from the suspected pockets”.
With the increase in budget provision, the amount of ex-gratia grant for the civilians and security personnel on duty was enhanced from Rs.2 laks to 5 lakhs, and Rs.20 lakhs to Rs.40 lakhs respectively.
Chief Secretary Sri Mahapatra directed to provide adequate logistic support to the armed forces engaged in anti-terrorist operations.
The main activities under AWP-2022-23 included procurement of modern ammunitions, adequate logistic support to armed forces, training for State police force, community policing, additional fortification of the police posts, and rehabilitation of LWE cadres.
Besides, the affected civilians and security personnel would be extended ex-gratia grant and property damage grant as per the specified guidelines.
Director General Police Sunil Kumar Bansal, Additional Chief Secretary Home Sanjeev Chopra, IG Operations A. Thakur, Special Secretary Home Smt Santosh Bala along with senior officers from Police and Intelligence wing participated in the deliberations.
