BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced that 20 new cyber police stations are set to become operational across the state soon to combat the increasing cases of cyber crimes.
Launching the Cyber Safety Campaign Odisha-2025 at a state-level function here at Kalinga Stadium, Majhi underlined that awareness is the most powerful tool to combat cyber crimes.
Highlighting the need for a secure digital environment, the chief minister said around 82 crore people or 55 per cent of India’s population, use the internet, making India the second largest user of internet in the world. As the daily lives of people are now heavily reliant on digital systems, they are becoming more vulnerable to cyber crime and online frauds.
“The state government prioritises combating these crimes, strengthening cyber police, raising awareness and creating a secure digital environment,” Majhi said.
He informed that apart from operationalisation of 20 new cyber crime police stations, the existing 14 stations will also be upgraded. The government has also planned to appoint 1,127 new police personnel and 170 technical experts. A state-level command centre will be established under Crime Branch to serve as a centre of excellence for cyber crime prevention, he added.
Acknowledging the efforts of the state police in combating cyber crime, Majhi said timely assistance has been provided to a large number of victims through the national cyber crime reporting portal and cyber helpline 1930.
“The government is taking comprehensive steps to combat cyber crime but lack of awareness is a major factor in most online fraud cases. Internet and digital users must be cautious and aware,” Majhi said stating that the objective of the campaign launched by the state police is to create awareness and educate the public about digital safety.
Expressing concern over rising online blackmail and harassment of girls and women, he directed the state police to take strict action against the perpetrators of cyber crimes. In case of failure to act promptly, police officials concerned will face consequences, the CM warned.
The chief minister launched 16 awareness raths, which will tour all districts except Nuapada for a month, educating people on cyber safety. He administered a cyber safety pledge to police officials, students and those present at the event.
