KOCHI: Expressing concern over the high incidence of cyber crime, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday called for initiatives to create awareness among the youth on the safe and effective use of information technology.
“We are witnessing a sharp increase in cyber crimes, despite implementing effective laws to curb the menace. This is a cause for serious concern. It is important to create awareness among the youth on safe use of information technology,” said Pinarayi after inaugurating phase-II of the e-jagratha project here.
“Every year, around 42 million persons in the country fall victim to cyber crime. Studies have revealed that 80 persons fall prey to cyber criminals every minute. since the cyber world has encroached upon every sphere of life, parents should keep an eye on their children. We should be able to use the developments in information technology for the well-being of mankind,” he said.
Pinarayi further stated the government would soon implement the proposal to transform government schools into hi-tech educational institutions. “The schools will be renovated and equipped with e-libraries and computer centres,” he said.
The e-jagratha project, funded by State Bank of Travancore, was implemented by the district administration with the assistance of Tata Consultancy Services. The project aims at creating awareness among students and teachers on a safe and effective use of Internet. Phase-II of the project will cover 175 aided schools in the district. In phase-I, 101 government schools were included.
The function was presided over by P T Thomas MLA. District collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla, SBT retail banking chief general manager M K Bhattacharya, TCS vice-president Dinesh P Thampi and e-jagratha project manager Nisha Anandarajan also spoke.