Stronger Prosecution and Faster Justice as Law Minister Launches First Dedicated Training Programme for Non-Cadre Prosecutors
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has taken a decisive step towards strengthening the state’s criminal justice system by launching the first structured training programme exclusively for Non-Cadre Public Prosecutors.
The initiative places Harichandan at the centre of an important institutional reform aimed at improving courtroom performance, reducing procedural lapses and ensuring faster and fairer justice for citizens.
The Induction-cum-Refresher Training Programme has been organised by the Law Department in coordination with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Harichandan formally inaugurated the programme at the Conference Hall of the Law Department in the virtual presence of District Collectors and Superintendents of Police from across Odisha.
The statewide participation demonstrated the importance attached to the initiative and the Law Minister’s emphasis on coordination between the administration, police and prosecution.
Addressing a Critical Training Gap
Regular training programmes have long been available for cadre prosecutors. Non-Cadre Public Prosecutors, however, did not have a dedicated and continuous capacity-building system.
Harichandan’s initiative addresses this gap by establishing a structured training mechanism for Non-Cadre Public Prosecutors, including many recently engaged under the Odisha Law Officers Rules, 1971.
The programme has been conceived as a continuous, practical and sustainable exercise rather than a one-time event.
Its first phase was scheduled for February 28 and March 1, 2026, at the district headquarters of Cuttack, Ganjam, Sambalpur, Balasore, Puri, Koraput and Angul. The remaining districts will be covered in subsequent phases.
Preparing Prosecutors for India’s New Criminal Laws
A central feature of the programme is its focus on the effective implementation of the three new criminal laws:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam
Prosecutors will receive practical training in courtroom application, evidentiary standards, emerging judicial interpretations, professional ethics and case preparation.
The programme will also address real challenges encountered during trials and encourage uniform prosecution practices across Odisha.
Harichandan’s Focus on Results
Harichandan has emphasised that professionally trained prosecutors form the backbone of an effective criminal justice system.
The initiative is designed to improve the quality of evidence presentation, reduce procedural mistakes, strengthen trial preparation and minimise avoidable delays and technical acquittals.
Its expected benefits include faster disposal of criminal cases, improved coordination between police and prosecutors, better charge framing, fewer unnecessary adjournments and stronger representation for victims and witnesses.
Reform With a Direct Public Impact
The programme goes beyond routine administrative training. It connects professional capacity building with outcomes that directly affect citizens seeking justice.
A knowledgeable and disciplined prosecution system can help ensure that investigations are properly presented before courts, evidence is handled effectively and criminal cases move forward without avoidable procedural obstacles.
By focusing on practical courtroom skills and the implementation of new criminal laws, Harichandan has introduced a reform with the potential to make Odisha’s justice system more efficient, credible and responsive.
Leadership Behind the Initiative
The programme reinforces Prithiviraj Harichandan’s position as a minister focused on institutional reform and measurable improvements in public administration.
By identifying a neglected training requirement and converting it into a statewide programme, Harichandan has demonstrated an emphasis on preparation, professionalism and results.
His initiative provides Non-Cadre Public Prosecutors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform their responsibilities more effectively while strengthening public confidence in Odisha’s criminal justice system.
With stronger prosecutors, improved coordination and a clear focus on timely justice, Harichandan’s reform represents a meaningful step towards building a more capable and citizen-focused legal system in Odisha.