Bhubaneswar, February 16 – The Commissionerate Police has made elaborate security arrangements around the Odisha Legislative Assembly in view of the upcoming budget session, which is scheduled to commence on February 17.
On Monday, the police conducted a full-scale security rehearsal, with a focus on multi-layered protection and coordinated deployment.
Speaking to the media, Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh said that a comprehensive mock drill was carried out to review preparedness and ensure seamless security management during the session.
Singh further revealed that 35 platoons of police force, along with more than 100 police officers, including around eight Additional DCPs, 27 ACPs, etc., will be deployed inside the assembly premises and surrounding areas.
In addition, the Special Tactical Unit (STU) has been deployed to handle any anti-terror emergencies. Quick Reaction Teams have also been posted at seven locations. Similarly, sufficient numbers of police officers in plain clothes have also been deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the assembly.
The security deployment includes three categories – armed, unarmed, and plain-clothes personnel – ensuring surveillance and response capability across all critical zones.
Senior officers and multiple operational units participated in the exercise to assess real-time coordination and response readiness. Officials said that around seven core operational teams and nearly thirty officers were involved in the rehearsal, covering entry points, the assembly premises, and surrounding areas.
The Commissioner also stated that special security arrangements are being made in view of the Governor's visit for the customary address at the start of the session.
The police have reviewed intelligence inputs and tightened sensitive security points as part of the preparations.
Notably, an all-party meeting was held on Monday under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Odisha Assembly, Surama Padhy, to ensure the smooth conduct of the budget session.
The session will begin with the Governor's address, which will be followed by a two-day discussion.
The State Budget will be presented on February 20 by the Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio.
According to official sources, the sixth session of the 17th Odisha Assembly is scheduled to conclude on April 8. The session will be held in two phases and will have 28 working days.