Claiming that crime rate of the State is less than half of the national average, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said that his Government has successfully contained the activities of Left Wing Extremists (LWE).
Dismissing the Opposition Congress and the BJP allegations that the crime records of the State proved inefficiency of Government in maintaining law and order situation, the Chief Minister said the situation in the State is by and large peaceful. There have been no communal incidents or major agitational activities by the students in the State.
The industrial scenario, by and large, remained peaceful and sporadic incidents were tactfully handled, he said. Asserting that lawless activities of Maoists have been brought under control in 11 affected districts, the Chief Minister said the Government is now trying to contain the Maoists in parts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Balangir, Nuapada, Rayagada, Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts.
He said the number of casualties of civilians and security personnel in Maoist- related incident till November is less than half of the number during 2012. The Maoists claimed the lives of 15 civilians and seven security personnel in 2013 compared to 25 civilians and 19 security personnel last year. Naveen said 21 Maoists were killed in 57 incidents till November as against 10 in 2012. Responding to Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh’s allegation that the State Government is unable utilise funds sanctioned under security-related expenditure (SRE) scheme, the Chief Minister said the State has already spent Rs 323.39 crore from its own resources in SRE scheme during 2012-13. “It is a matter of regret that the Government of India has not reimbursed Rs 179.91 crore in spite of several requests from the State,” he remarked.
Initiating the discussion on the supplementary demand of the Home and General Administration departments, the Leader of Opposition slammed the Government for the increasing crimes and atrocities against women. He also expressed concern over the large number of vacancies in the Police department.
Singh sought to know the results of the vigilance investigation into the multi-crore mining scams and the fate of Jan Lokpal Bill. He wanted to know the plan of action of the Government to refund the money to investors in chit fund companies.
The Chief Minister said the Government is in the process of enacting laws to protect the interest of the depositors.
On mining scam investigation, Naveen said that probe into nine cases have been completed and two more cases were filed recently. Supporting the supplementary demand of the two departments, former minister K V Singhdeo of the BJP said the police modernisation should be done in a holistic and time-bound manner.
He, however, cautioned the Government that people will not forgive the ruling BJD during the next general elections as it has not been able to address the concern of the depositors who have invested in chit funds.
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