Odisha Governor Flags Cybercrime Surge, Slams Poor Awareness of Central Welfare Schemes

Key Points
Governor warns of rising cyber threats and drug abuse.
Crime Branch DG urges citizens to secure personal data.
Poor awareness of central schemes among officials and public.
Bhubaneswar, Jun 23: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has expressed serious concern over the rising threats of cybercrime and drug abuse in the state.
Speaking at an awareness camp held at Raj Bhavan, the Governor emphasized the urgent need for public vigilance and education on these pressing issues.
“Cybersecurity has become a growing concern. With the increasing use of smartphones and digital banking, cyberattacks are on the rise, leading to financial losses and posing a threat to national security,” said Dr. Kambhampati. He stressed that awareness is the first line of defence against such crimes.
Joining the discussion, Crime Branch DG Vinaytosh Mishra warned that even people sitting at home are no longer safe. “With just one click, all your money can vanish,” he cautioned. He advised citizens to lock personal photos and sensitive data on their mobile devices to prevent misuse.
The Governor also addressed the dangers of drug abuse, highlighting its physical and mental toll. “De-addiction is a continuous process, but with courage and proper guidance, recovery is possible,” he said, urging youth to stay away from narcotics.
In a separate review meeting with district officials, the Governor expressed disappointment over the lack of awareness among government officers regarding key central welfare schemes. When asked about schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Suraksha Bima Yojana, Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, only one or two officials were aware of them.
Dr. Kambhampati noted that most citizens in Odisha are still unaware of these beneficial schemes. “Even those who know about them are not enrolling. These schemes offer significant benefits at minimal premiums. It is essential that people become aware and take advantage of them,” he urged.
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