Odisha Launches Cyber Security Awareness Campaign 2025 to Strengthen Digital Safety

Bhubaneswar: As cybercrimes continue to rise alongside India’s expanding digital landscape, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday launched the Cyber Security Awareness Campaign 2025, a month-long statewide initiative to educate citizens on safe digital practices and build a more resilient cyber ecosystem in Odisha.

Launching the campaign at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister flagged off 16 specially designed awareness vehicles that will travel across all districts except Nuapada, conducting outreach programs, interactive sessions, and educational activities on cyber safety.

Emphasizing that awareness is the strongest defence against cyber threats, Majhi said, “With over 82 crore internet users—around 55% of India’s population—digital dependence has grown immensely. But so have the risks of fraud and misuse. Every citizen must be alert and informed to ensure safe use of technology.”

Reiterating the State Government’s commitment to secure digital governance, the Chief Minister announced a major capacity expansion in cyber policing, including the operationalization of 20 new cyber police stations, modernization of 14 existing stations, recruitment of 1,127 police personnel and 170 technical experts, and establishment of a state-level command center under the Crime Branch, which will serve as a Centre of Excellence in cybercrime prevention.

Majhi appreciated the efforts of the Odisha Police in assisting victims through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and Cyber Helpline (1930), while stressing that institutional mechanisms must be backed by strong public awareness. “Despite technological systems, most cybercrimes occur due to lack of caution. Awareness and vigilance can save lives and livelihoods,” he said.

Expressing concern over increasing incidents of online blackmail and harassment of women and girls, the Chief Minister directed police officials to act swiftly and warned of strict action against any personnel showing negligence in such cases.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja commended the Odisha Police for organizing the awareness drive and emphasized that cyber safety is a shared responsibility across society, not just a departmental mandate. He urged citizens, institutions, and community leaders to collectively promote digital hygiene and online responsibility.