Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Cyber Safety Awareness Campaign 2025 at a state-level event held at Kalinga Stadium here on Saturday. The month-long initiative aims to combat the growing threat of cybercrime through public education and outreach, he said.

ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ @MohanMOdisha ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱର କଳିଙ୍ଗ ଷ୍ଟାଡିୟମରେ ଓଡ଼ିଶା ପୋଲିସ ପକ୍ଷରୁ ଆୟୋଜିତ ରାଜ୍ୟସ୍ତରୀୟ 'ସାଇବର ସୁରକ୍ଷା ସଚେତନତା ଅଭିଯାନ' ର ଶୁଭାରମ୍ଭ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ଯୋଗ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି । pic.twitter.com/ZKI0Cooa63

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) October 18, 2025

Awareness as the Strongest Weapon

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that awareness is the most powerful tool to fight cybercrime, which has become a major challenge for society. With over 82 crore Indians—55% of the population—using the internet, and India ranking second globally in internet usage, the need for digital safety has never been greater.

Strengthening Cyber Infrastructure

To bolster cyber policing, the state will soon operationalize 20 new cyber police stations and modernize 14 existing ones. Additionally, 1,127 new police positions and 170 technical experts will be recruited. A state-level command center under the Crime Branch will be established as a Center of Excellence for cybercrime prevention.

Also Read: Odisha Police SI Exam Scam Exposes BJD Links

Cyber Rath Yatra Across Districts

Sixteen Cyber Awareness Rath vans were flagged off by the Chief Minister, which will tour all districts except Nuapada, where Assembly bypoll is due on November 11. These mobile units will educate citizens on cyber threats, online fraud, and digital safety practices.

Call for Collective Vigilance

The CM urged all internet users to remain alert and informed, noting that most cyber frauds stem from lack of awareness. He also directed Odisha Police to take strict action against individuals involved in online blackmail and harassment, especially targeting women.

Voices of Support

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja praised Odisha Police for initiating the campaign and stressed the importance of collective responsibility in cyber safety. DGP Y.B. Khurania and Crime Branch DG Binaytosh Mishra also shared insights on the state’s cybercrime response efforts.