Odisha Launches Mega Cyber Safety Drive, Reaches 40 Lakh Students Across State

Bhubaneswar: With young people increasingly exposed to online fraud, cyber blackmail and digital exploitation, Odisha has launched a massive statewide campaign to promote cyber safety and responsible digital behaviour among students and youth.

Organised jointly by Odisha Police, the School and Mass Education Department and the Higher Education Department, the campaign brought together more than 40 lakh students, teachers, parents and police personnel from across the State. The programme was conducted through live webcast and video conferencing, connecting over 20,000 schools and 2,000 colleges across 35 police districts.

The campaign, held under the chairmanship of Crime Branch DGP Binaytosh Mishra, focused on equipping young people with practical knowledge to identify cyber threats and respond appropriately to incidents of online fraud and exploitation.

With the rapid expansion of digital services, officials highlighted the growing risks faced by students and young people, including online fraud, blackmail and misuse of personal and financial credentials. Participants were also cautioned against unknowingly allowing cybercriminals to use their bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents.

Youth urged to become cyber awareness ambassadors

The campaign sought to make students more vigilant digital users while encouraging them to carry the message of cyber safety to their families, friends and communities.

Governor of Odisha Hari Babu Kambhampati urged students to remain alert while using digital platforms and exercise caution when sharing personal information online. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the role of young people in creating a cyber-safe Odisha and called upon them to spread awareness about online safety in their communities.

1930 helpline highlighted for financial fraud

One of the key messages of the campaign was the importance of reporting cyber financial fraud immediately during the ‘Golden Hour’.

Students and participants were advised to call 1930 and register a complaint on the cybercrime.gov.in portal immediately after becoming victims of financial fraud. Officials explained that prompt reporting can improve the chances of stopping the flow of money and recovering the defrauded amount.

The campaign also stressed that OTP, PIN, CVV and passwords should never be shared with anyone. Participants were reminded that banks, government agencies and police officials do not ask individuals to disclose such confidential information.

The participants were also warned about ‘digital arrest’ scams, with officials making it clear that no genuine police or government agency can demand money through such a process. Any such demand should be treated as fraud and immediately reported to 1930.

Caution against misuse of bank accounts and SIM cards

Students were further advised never to hand over their bank accounts, SIM cards or identity documents to others in exchange for money. Such practices can result in personal accounts and identities being misused for cybercrime.

The campaign also addressed cases of online blackmail and digital exploitation. Victims were urged not to panic or pay money, but instead immediately approach parents, teachers or the police and preserve relevant digital evidence.

Statewide campaign seeks grassroots cyber awareness

The large-scale initiative is aimed at creating a network of informed and responsible digital citizens, with students emerging as key participants in spreading cyber safety awareness.

The campaign concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen cyber awareness at the grassroots level and promote safer digital practices across Odisha under the message: “Be Aware, Be Safe—Cyber Safe Odisha.”

Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School and Mass Education Department N. Tirumala Naik, IGP Crime Branch B. Gangadhar, IGP Crime Branch Madkar Sandip Sampath, senior police officers, education department officials and representatives from police and education administrations across districts attended the programme.