The concept, said to be the first of its kind in the country, would also help police to bring down the growing incidence of crime, Harichandan told newspersons here yesterday.

He said a committee would be set up in each village and during violent incidents, police would consult the committee to nab the culprits and restore normalcy in the area. The State would be covered in a phased manner, the minister added.

Harichandan, who was here to attend the Orissa Day celebrations organised by the Berhampur district administration and a socio-cultural organisation Utkal Parishad, also reviewed the law and order situation.

The State Government had also decided to introduce a police commission in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, he said.

At least one woman police officer would be posted in each policestation to restore confidence among women, he said, adding steps had been initiated to fill vacancies in the department.