Maoist-free India: Odisha CM inaugurates new SOG training and anti-terror facility; risk allowance hiked

Odisha is set to play a pivotal role in India’s mission to eliminate Maoism, with the State emerging as a major training centre for elite security forces. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated a new training and briefing centre at Chandaka, where up to 400 Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel will be trained simultaneously.

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Along with this, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a state-of-the-art anti-terrorism training facility, aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of forces engaged in counter-Naxal operations. This ambitious initiative is expected to significantly boost preparedness and coordination among security personnel.

During the event, the CM announced a revised risk allowance structure for SOG and other units involved in anti-Maoist operations. Officers of the SOG directly deployed in operations will receive a monthly allowance of up to Rs 25,000. Subedars and Deputy Subedars will get Rs 24,000, Havildars Rs 20,000, and Constables and Sepoys Rs 16,000 per month.

Personnel from SOG, AET, and RC engaged in training or other duties, even if not directly deployed in operations, will receive allowances of up to Rs 12,000 per month. District Volunteer Force (DVF) staff will get up to Rs 10,000, while Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) personnel will receive up to Rs 20,000 monthly, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

On the occasion, CM Majhi also inaugurated multiple infrastructure projects, including 16 police station buildings across 16 districts, 70 residential quarters, office buildings, barracks, armouries, and administrative structures, the CMO added.

“There is no place for violence in a democracy, and the State government is fully committed to strictly suppressing any organisation or individual involved in violence. Maoists should surrender and join the mainstream of society, and become part of the government’s progress for development,” the Chief Minister appealed.

“Contributions of the Special Operations Group have been unparalleled in addressing the Maoist problem, which has persisted in the State for over three decades. The Central government has set a deadline until March 2026 to eliminate Naxalism from the country, and we are progressing successfully toward that goal,” the Chief Minister stated.

Notably, the mass surrender of 22 Maoists in Malkangiri district in recent days is a positive step in this direction. Following the guidance of the Prime Minister and the strategy of the Home Minister, the country is now moving rapidly on the path of peace and development.