By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 7, 2022: In a bid to curb left wing extremism (LWE) and furtherance of anti-terrorism operations this year, Odisha on Friday rolled out an annual work plan (AWP) of Rs 85.85 crore, which was approved at a State Level Committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra.

IG Operations, Amitabh Thakur presented an update on the proposed work plan at the meeting.

Mahapatra directed to intensify community mobilization and confidence building activities in areas vulnerable to LWE activities, promote alternative livelihood activities, and children education in the communities. “People’s confidence and participation would go a long way in rooting out of LWE activities from the suspected pockets,” the Chief Secretary said.

The fund provision of Rs 85.85 crore for AWP – 2022-23 is about 50% more than that of AWP-2021-22. The AWP-2021-22 was rolled out with budget outlay of around Rs 50.56 crore.

The funds for AWP 2022-23 would be shared by both the Central and State Governments on 60:40 basis.

With increase in budget provision, the amount of ex-gratia grant for the civilians and security personnel on duty was enhanced from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, and Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 40 lakh respectively.

Mahapatra directed to provide adequate logistic support to the armed forces engaged in anti-terrorist operations.

The main activities under AWP-2022-23 include procurement of modern ammunition, 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, Special Secretary Home, Santosh Bala, along with senior officials from Police and Intelligence wing participated.