Bhubaneswar, March 2 – A high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, was held on Monday evening to assess the safety and well-being of Odia citizens residing in the Middle East and West Asia amid the ongoing regional conflict.
According to an official statement, the Odisha government has formed a working group in coordination with the Odisha Parivar Directorate, the Home Department of Odisha, the State Labour Directorate, and the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to closely monitor the safety and condition of Odia migrant workers, professionals, and tourists in the Gulf countries.
Pritish Panda, Officer on Special Duty, of the Directorate of Odisha Paribar, Odia Language Literature and Culture Department, has been designated as a single point of contact to coordinate with the Odia diaspora.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a 24X7 toll-free helpline number (800-46342) and a WhatsApp number (+971 543090571) to assist Indian nationals in the affected region.
During the crucial meeting held on Monday, the Chief Secretary advised all concerned officials to closely monitor the evolving situation and remain fully prepared to take appropriate steps as required.
The meeting was convened at the direction of the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, to ensure preparedness and initiate necessary measures.
Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, who attended the meeting, stated that the situation is being closely monitored, and necessary steps are being taken.
All concerned officials have been placed on alert. He further informed that the situation remains under control. Social media posts are being strictly monitored, and immediate action is being taken wherever required.
Notably, CM Majhi had earlier held discussions with the Central Government to ensure the safe return of Odias stranded in Dubai and other war-affected countries.
In light of the intensifying US-Israel-Iran conflict, Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik also urged the Union government to take immediate steps to ensure the safe evacuation of migrant workers, professionals, students, and tourists from Odisha stranded in Gulf nations.
