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Odisha Forms Crisis Group for Odias in Middle East Amid Conflict

The Odisha government has convened a high-level meeting to assess the safety of its diaspora in the Middle East and West Asia due to regional conflicts. A dedicated working group has been formed in coordination with state departments and the Ministry of External Affairs to monitor the situation. Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed officials to remain on full alert, while DGP Y.B. Khurania confirmed the situation is under close surveillance. The move follows directions from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and an appeal from opposition leader Naveen Patnaik for central intervention to ensure safe evacuation.

Key Points: Odisha Reviews Safety of Odias in Middle East Conflict Zone

  • High-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary
  • Working group formed with MEA coordination
  • 24X7 MEA helpline activated for Indians
  • Social media being monitored for misinformation
2 min read

Odisha govt reviews safety of Odias in Middle East amid conflict

Odisha govt forms working group, designates helpline to monitor and ensure safety of Odia migrants in Gulf amid US-Israel-Iran tensions.

"situation is being monitored very closely and necessary steps are being taken - Y.B. Khurania"

Bhubaneswar, March 2

A high-level meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, was held on Monday evening to evaluate the safety and status of Odias residing in the Middle East and West Asia amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

According to official statement, the Odisha government has constituted a working group in coordination with Odisha Parivar Directorate, Home Department, Odisha, the State Labour Directorate, and the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE), Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India to keep a close watch on the safety and condition of Odia migrant workers, professionals, tourists present in the gulf countries.

The Officer on Special Duty, Pritish Panda, (Mob: +91 9583321964), Directorate of Odisha Paribar , Odia Language Literature and Culture Department is designated as a single point to coordinate with Odia Diaspora.

It may be noted 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 as per 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 monitored very closely 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 on Monday 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good to see the state and central government coordinating. The safety of our migrant workers is paramount. They send back precious remittances that support our economy. Hope the evacuation plans are robust and executed swiftly if needed.
S
Suresh O
While the meeting is a good gesture, I hope this isn't just for show. We've seen in the past that when crises hit, ground-level coordination often fails. The proof will be in how effectively they can bring people home if the situation worsens.
M
Meera T
My brother is in Dubai. Our whole family is worried. Seeing that the CM himself has spoken to the Centre and a helpline is active makes us feel a little safer. Please, all Odia brothers and sisters in the Gulf, stay safe and register with the authorities.
N
Naveen S
It's heartening to see that even the opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has raised the issue. This shows that when it comes to the safety of Odia people, politics is set aside. That's how it should be.
A
Ashley H
Watching from abroad, this seems like a very organized response from a state government. Creating a dedicated working group and publishing clear contact details is commendable crisis management. Other states could learn from this.

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