Jajpur,22/09(PPT): Former Odisha Finance Minister Dr Prafulla Chandra Ghadai has urged the State Government to focus on strengthening police stations, filling vacancies and improving frontline policing before expanding the police range structure. Referring to the proposed Nilachal Range comprising Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh districts, with Puri as its headquarters, Dr Ghadai said administrative restructuring should be supported by adequate manpower, mobility, communication facilities, modern investigation equipment and cyber and forensic support. Citing the shortage of police personnel, he said existing police stations and outposts should first be equipped with trained staff and necessary resources. DGP Y.B. Khurania had stated in July that around 33,000 posts were vacant in the Odisha Police. “Every police station should have adequate manpower, resources and trained personnel to respond effectively to citizens,” Dr Ghadai said, stressing the need for community-oriented policing and accessible police services, particularly in rural areas.