TNI Bureau: Taking serious note of repeated leaks of sensitive security-related information during VVIP and VIP visits, the Odisha Government has issued a strict advisory warning officials against sharing operational details on social media and private messaging platforms.

The Home Department has circulated the directive to all District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Directors General and Inspectors General of Police, along with intelligence agencies across the state. The government cautioned that unauthorized sharing of minute-to-minute schedules, security arrangements, route charts, and other operational details could pose a major security threat.

The advisory, issued by the Additional Secretary of the Home Department, referred to a communication from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs dated November 24, 2025. It highlighted that several incidents have surfaced in recent years where sensitive information related to VIP visits was leaked through social media and private messaging applications. Such leaks, the government noted, increase the risk of the information reaching media platforms or unauthorized individuals, thereby compromising security arrangements.

Information Sharing Restricted on ‘Need-to-Know’ Basis

Under the new guidelines, information regarding VVIP visits must be shared strictly on a “need-to-know” basis and only with authorized officials. The government has completely prohibited the circulation of security details, operational plans, and movement schedules through ordinary messaging platforms or social media channels.

Police and security agencies have been instructed to use secure and reliable communication networks for all official exchanges related to VVIP security management. The advisory also warned that private messaging services are vulnerable to data theft and unauthorized access.

The state government has further directed all departments and security agencies to prepare and strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling sensitive information related to VVIP movements.

Focus on Security Awareness Among Staff

The Ministry of Home Affairs has emphasized the need to sensitize officers and lower-level staff about maintaining confidentiality during VVIP visits. Senior officials have been asked to conduct regular security briefings before every major visit to reinforce the importance of operational secrecy.

The advisory also warned that hostile elements, including foreign intelligence-linked networks, may attempt to obtain sensitive information through fake identities or deceptive means. Officials have therefore been urged to remain alert and exercise extreme caution while sharing information.

Strict Action Against Violations

The government has made it clear that any incident of information leakage will be investigated immediately to identify the source. Officials or employees found responsible will face strict action under existing rules and regulations.

Authorities have also been instructed to take corrective measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.

The latest directive is being viewed as a significant step toward strengthening and professionalizing VVIP security management in Odisha. In the digital era, where information leaks have emerged as a growing national security concern, the government’s move is expected to introduce stricter standards of administrative vigilance and security discipline.