BHUBANESWAR: In a significant move to bolster public safety in the digital age, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi officially launched the Cyber Security Awareness Campaign 2025 on Saturday. The Chief Minister declared public awareness the most powerful weapon in the fight against cybercrime, which he identified as a major challenge facing modern society. 
The ambitious, month-long initiative will actively reach citizens in all districts of the state, with the exception of Nuapada. The campaign strategy includes a fleet of specially designed awareness vehicles, a series of public programs, and diverse educational activities, all focused on promoting cyber safety habits among the populace. The state-level inauguration ceremony took place at the Kalinga Stadium in the capital city, Bhubaneswar.
During his address, Chief Minister Majhi shed light on the critical need for digital vigilance. He cited that approximately 82 crore people, representing about 55 percent of India's total population, are now active internet users, positioning the country as the world's second-largest internet market. He explained that this growing dependence on digital systems for daily activities also increases people's vulnerability to online fraud and various cybercrimes.
Reaffirming the state government's commitment, Majhi detailed a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen Odisha's cyber security infrastructure. This includes a significant enhancement of cyber policing capabilities. He announced that 20 new cyber police stations will soon become operational across Odisha. Concurrently, the state is modernizing its existing 14 cyber police stations with the latest technology and tools.
To support this expanded infrastructure, the government plans to appoint 1,127 new police personnel and 170 technical experts. Furthermore, a state-level command center will be established under the Crime Branch. This center will function as a Center of Excellence, dedicated to preventing and investigating cybercrime.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the proactive work of the Odisha Police. He commended their efforts in providing timely assistance to thousands of cybercrime victims through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the dedicated Cyber Helpline, 1930. However, he issued a crucial caution, stating that despite all institutional measures, the primary cause of cyber fraud remains a lack of public awareness. He urged every citizen to stay alert and well-informed while navigating digital platforms.
Expressing particular concern, Majhi highlighted the rising incidents of online blackmail and harassment that specifically target women and girls. He issued a direct instruction to the police force to act decisively against all perpetrators involved in such crimes. He also delivered a stern warning, promising strict action against any police personnel who fail to respond appropriately to these serious complaints.
A visual highlight of the launch event was the flag-off of 16 dedicated awareness vehicles. These vehicles will now travel across the state for the next month, carrying vital cyber safety messages directly to communities.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja also spoke at the event, commending the Odisha Police for organizing the comprehensive campaign. He emphasized that cyber security awareness is a collective responsibility that extends far beyond the boundaries of any single department.
Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania outlined the ongoing efforts of the police force to tackle the evolving threat of cybercrime. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Crime Branch Director General Binaytosh Mishra. This campaign marks a decisive step by the Odisha government to create a more secure and resilient digital environment for all its citizens.
During his address, Chief Minister Majhi shed light on the critical need for digital vigilance. He cited that approximately 82 crore people, representing about 55 percent of India's total population, are now active internet users, positioning the country as the world's second-largest internet market. He explained that this growing dependence on digital systems for daily activities also increases people's vulnerability to online fraud and various cybercrimes.
Reaffirming the state government's commitment, Majhi detailed a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen Odisha's cyber security infrastructure. This includes a significant enhancement of cyber policing capabilities. He announced that 20 new cyber police stations will soon become operational across Odisha. Concurrently, the state is modernizing its existing 14 cyber police stations with the latest technology and tools.
To support this expanded infrastructure, the government plans to appoint 1,127 new police personnel and 170 technical experts. Furthermore, a state-level command center will be established under the Crime Branch. This center will function as a Center of Excellence, dedicated to preventing and investigating cybercrime.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the proactive work of the Odisha Police. He commended their efforts in providing timely assistance to thousands of cybercrime victims through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the dedicated Cyber Helpline, 1930. However, he issued a crucial caution, stating that despite all institutional measures, the primary cause of cyber fraud remains a lack of public awareness. He urged every citizen to stay alert and well-informed while navigating digital platforms.
Expressing particular concern, Majhi highlighted the rising incidents of online blackmail and harassment that specifically target women and girls. He issued a direct instruction to the police force to act decisively against all perpetrators involved in such crimes. He also delivered a stern warning, promising strict action against any police personnel who fail to respond appropriately to these serious complaints.
A visual highlight of the launch event was the flag-off of 16 dedicated awareness vehicles. These vehicles will now travel across the state for the next month, carrying vital cyber safety messages directly to communities.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja also spoke at the event, commending the Odisha Police for organizing the comprehensive campaign. He emphasized that cyber security awareness is a collective responsibility that extends far beyond the boundaries of any single department.
Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania outlined the ongoing efforts of the police force to tackle the evolving threat of cybercrime. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Crime Branch Director General Binaytosh Mishra. This campaign marks a decisive step by the Odisha government to create a more secure and resilient digital environment for all its citizens.
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