Protect women, weaker sections: CM to police

--City police’s website linked with FB, Twitter on its Raising Day

BHUBANESWAR: “The police should give attention towards the protection of women and weaker sections of the society,” said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while inaugurating the 6th Raising Day celebrations of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police here on Tuesday.

In his speech, Patnaik advised the police to be careful about the rights of the citizens and emphasised on public friendly police to reach the common people. He also called upon the police to take firm actions against anti-socials and criminal elements to make the city peaceful.  

The Chief Minister took salute in the colourful Raising Day parade conducted at the 7th OSAP Battalion here.

Gracing the occasion, Director General of Police Prakash Mishra said the new initiatives of the Commissionerate Police to streamline the police patrolling system, traffic system and basic policing in the twin city are admirable. He also told about the use of CCTV cameras to keep eye on the activities of the anti-socials in the crowded places of the city and police assisting posts along with community policing to help people especially women.       

On staff shortage, Mishra said, “We have presented our view before the State Government about the shortage of manpower and we hope to get some staff in phase wise to continue our duty effectively,” continued DGP Mishra, adding, “We will try to fill up vacancies in Sub-Inspector level first.”

Similarly, Twin City Police Commissioner Dr RP Sharma also raised staff crunch problem. “Compare to the other mega cities in the countries, staff shortage is very high at the constable and SI level in the Commissionerate Police (Cuttack-Bhubaneswar),” said Sharma, adding, “Therefore we are making a proposal to submit before the Government to look into the matter.”

On the occasion, Chief Minister formally linked the website of the Commissionerate Police with social networking websites Facebook and Twitter. Six documentary films on dowry torture, sexual harassment, eve teasing, Dial-100 and chain snatching have been released by the Chief Minister. Four outdoor advertisings like hoardings, newsletter and telephone directory have also been released on the Raising Day ceremony.

During the ceremony, police officials were awarded for their excellent services last year. Traffic ACP Binod Das and Jatni IIC Sarat Kumar Sahu have been awarded as the Best ACP and the Best Inspector of the year, while Banita Maharana of Saheed Nagar police station was choosen as the Best SI of the year.