High-Level Meeting Held on safety of PravasiOdiasAmid Middle EastWar Situation
Chief Secretary advises preparedness and timely action
Bhubaneswar, March 02, 2026: In view of the prevailing war situation in the Middle East and West Asia, a high-level meeting was held this evening under the Chairpersonship of Chief Secretary Ms. AnuGarg, IAS to review the safety and status of PravasiOdias residing in the region. The meeting was convened as per the direction of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of OdishaShri Mohan CharanMajhito ensure preparedness and initiate necessary measures.The Chief Secretary advised all concerned officials to closely monitor the evolving situation and remain fully prepared to take appropriate steps as required.
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.In this context, the Government of Odisha has constituted a working group in coordination with OdishaParivar Directorate, Home Department,Odisha, the State Labour Directorate, and the office of the Protector of Emigrants (POE), Ministry of External Affairs , Govt of India. The situation is being closely monitored.
ShriPritishPanda , Officer on Special Duty (Mob: +91 9583321964), Directorate of OdishaParibar , Odia Language Literature and Culture Department is designated as single point to coordinate witnOdia Diaspora.
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.
Among others, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, ShriHemant Sharma; Director, Intelligence, Shri R.P. Koche; Director, Odisha Mo Parivar and Secretary, OLL&C Department, Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay; and Labour Commissioner Shri Indramani Tripathy were present in the meeting.
