Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to bolster the operational capabilities of Odisha’s elite anti-Maoist force, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Special Operations Group (SOG) training and briefing centre at Chandaka. The centre is expected to serve as a hub for counter-terrorism training, strategic planning, and operational preparedness, strengthening the state’s readiness against Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

Speaking at the inauguration, CM Majhi emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating Maoist violence in Odisha and urged insurgents to surrender and integrate into mainstream society. “We call upon those involved in violence to lay down arms and become pilots of the state’s progress,” he said. The chief minister expressed confidence that Odisha would meet the Centre’s target of ending LWE by March 2026, citing the recent mass surrender of 22 Maoists in Malkangiri district as a positive step forward.

The new SOG training and briefing centre has the capacity to train up to 400 personnel at a time. Majhi highlighted the facility’s importance in enhancing operational efficiency, tactical skills, and intelligence-driven interventions against Maoist elements. Alongside the training centre, the CM inaugurated a series of infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the state’s law enforcement framework. These include 16 new police stations, 70 police quarters, barracks, armouries, and administrative offices spread across 16 districts.

In a major announcement aimed at motivating personnel engaged in anti-Naxal operations, Majhi unveiled a risk allowance scheme for officers and employees of SOG and other anti-Maoist agencies. According to the scheme:

• SOG officers directly involved in field operations will receive a maximum monthly allowance of ₹25,000.
• Subedars and deputy subedars of the SOG will get ₹24,000 per month.
• Havildars will receive ₹20,000 per month.
• Constables and sepoys engaged in operations will be entitled to ₹16,000 per month.

Personnel of SOG, AET (Anti-Extremist Taskforce), and RC (Rapid Combat units) who are not directly involved in field operations will receive up to ₹12,000 per month. Meanwhile, District Volunteer Force employees will get a maximum monthly allowance of ₹10,000, and staff of the Special Intelligence Wing will be entitled to ₹20,000 per month. The chief minister stated that these allowances are effective from December and are intended to recognize the risk and dedication of personnel working to maintain security in Maoist-affected areas.

Majhi also outlined broader plans to strengthen Odisha’s police and security apparatus. The state has set up three Odisha Special Striking Force battalions, three Odisha Industrial Security Force battalions, and 10 new ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) units. Additional initiatives include the creation of a Traffic and Road Safety Wing, the establishment of 21 new Cyber and Economic Offences police stations, and the formation of a new police district at Rairangpur.

Furthermore, the government has approved the creation of 15,326 new posts across the police department to enhance capacity and ensure adequate manpower for law enforcement and anti-Maoist operations. CM Majhi underscored that these measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Odisha’s policing infrastructure and improve the safety and security of citizens.

The inauguration of the SOG training centre and the introduction of risk allowances reflect the state government’s commitment to incentivizing personnel who operate under high-risk conditions. By providing both modern training facilities and financial recognition, the Odisha government aims to enhance morale, operational effectiveness, and retention among anti-Naxal forces.

Officials noted that the Chandaka training complex is equipped with advanced simulation facilities, modern combat training modules, and dedicated briefing halls to enable scenario-based exercises. These facilities are expected to help personnel hone skills in counter-insurgency tactics, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and crisis response, thereby boosting the overall efficiency of Odisha’s anti-Maoist operations.

The CM’s announcements have been welcomed by security experts, who said that both infrastructure development and risk-based incentives are critical to sustaining morale and operational readiness in conflict-prone areas. The combined focus on training, manpower expansion, and financial recognition is likely to improve field performance and ensure better preparedness against evolving threats posed by Maoist groups in the state.

By integrating technological, strategic, and financial measures, Odisha aims to create a resilient and responsive security apparatus capable of addressing both current and emerging challenges in anti-Naxal operations. The CM reiterated the government’s determination to make Odisha a model state in LWE containment while simultaneously promoting development and social integration in previously affected regions.