Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced his Government’s decision to establish a special wing in the Odisha Police to probe crimes against women and children.

Addressing the valedictory session at the 62nd Senior Police Officers’ Conference here in virtual mode, Patnaik said the Government’s priority is to reduce the number of crimes against women and children. The creation of a special wing in the police establishment would provide quality services to women and children, he said.Highlighting the Government’s concern over road safety, he said, “Road accident-related fatalities are very high in the State.

 There is a need to take up preventive and enforcement initiatives as well as public awareness campaign in coordination with other stakeholders like Transport, Works Department, etc., to bring down such fatalities.” Patnaik stressed on increasing the conviction rate by taking the help of technology during investigations.

He also announced that six new police stations were made functional from Wednesday, adding that 905 additional posts in various ranks have been sanctioned for strengthening the police stations. “I am sure that the State police will come up with new ideas to improve its image by providing quality services,” he stated.Special family pension has been sanctioned to 38 next of kin of Covid warriors among police personnel.

Besides, 29 next of kin have received Rs 50-lakh ex-gratia compensation and rest should be processed without any delay, he said. The CM praised the 930 police personnel who have donated plasma for treatment of Covid patients.On the Maoist problem, Patnaik said, “Families of the (police) martyrs should be taken care of by the police. The LWE problem is dynamic in nature and keeps changing; close monitoring and focused efforts should continue. I specially commend the work of SPs, Malkangiri and Kandhamal in this connection.”

He also appreciated the efforts of SPs, Keonjhar and Angul for the overall improvement in the industrial atmosphere.