PM Modi Urges State DGPs to Intensify Focus on Cybersecurity

 

 

In a high-level meeting with Directors General of Police (DGPs) from across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgent need to tackle the rising menace of cybercrime with a mission-oriented approach. Recognizing the evolving nature of digital threats, the Prime Minister called for a focused strategy to safeguard citizens and critical infrastructure from cybercriminal activities.

Cybercrime in India has grown exponentially in recent years, with incidents ranging from phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and identity theft to sophisticated financial frauds and data breaches. The Prime Minister noted that cybercriminals are leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cryptocurrency to enhance their operations, making it imperative for law enforcement to stay ahead of the curve.

Speaking at the concluding session of the DGP and IG Conference, the Prime Minister called for the transformation of policing into a SMART framework—Strategic, Meticulous, Adaptable, Reliable, and Transparent. He emphasized the modernization of law enforcement agencies to align with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

During the meeting, the Prime Minister outlined several priorities for state DGPs to address:
The Prime Minister urged law enforcement agencies to adopt a mission-oriented approach to identify, track, and dismantle cybercrime syndicates operating both within the country and internationally.

Special focus was placed on combating financial frauds targeting vulnerable populations, including rural communities and senior citizens.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Infrastructure
State governments were encouraged to invest in advanced cybersecurity tools and technologies to detect and prevent cyberattacks.

Collaboration with technology companies, cybersecurity firms, and research institutions was recommended to build robust defenses.

Need to train police personnel in handling cybercrime cases effectively, including skills in digital forensics, data recovery, and cyber intelligence gathering.

Dedicated cybercrime units in each state were recommended to enhance investigative capabilities.

Increasing public awareness about safe online practices was identified as a critical step in reducing cybercrime incidents.

Campaigns to educate citizens on topics like password security, phishing scams, and fraud prevention were suggested.

Recognizing the borderless nature of cybercrime, the Prime Minister called for better coordination between states and international law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and conduct joint operations. The directives aim to modernize the approach to law enforcement in India, ensuring that police forces are well-equipped to handle the challenges of a rapidly digitalizing world. Enhanced focus on cybersecurity will also help protect India’s critical infrastructure, including financial institutions, healthcare systems, and government networks.

The conference featured in-depth deliberations led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and senior officials. PM Modi distributed the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service to Intelligence Bureau officers and commended their dedication. The hybrid-format conference brought together DGPs from all states and Union Territories, heads of central armed police forces, and central police organizations. Over 750 officers joined virtually, ensuring broad participation in the discussions.

The Prime Minister’s address underscores the importance of tackling cybercrime as a national priority. By intensifying efforts to combat digital threats and bolstering cybersecurity measures, India can create a safer digital ecosystem for its citizens and businesses. The onus now lies on state DGPs to translate these directives into actionable strategies, ensuring a proactive and coordinated response to the ever-growing challenge of cybercrime.