Odisha to launch month-long cyber security awareness campaign from Oct 18
Bhubaneswar, Oct 16 (UNI) The Odisha Government will launch a month-long statewide cybersecurity awareness campaign, both online and offline, from October 18.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the campaign at Kalinga Stadium and flag off the “Cyber Rath” (Cyber Awareness Van).
The campaign will include awareness drives through videos, leaflets, theme songs, and other promotional materials across all districts.
It will focus on key issues such as protection of children from cybercrimes, investment and online frauds, sextortion, illegal sale of bank accounts and SIM cards, hotel booking scams, digital arrests, and safe use of social media.
With the tagline “Stop, Verify, Be Secure,” and mascot “Saira,” the initiative will engage multiple departments and community groups. The School and Mass Education and Higher Education Departments will conduct awareness sessions and speech competitions in schools and colleges.
The Information and Public Relations Department will ensure extensive publicity, while the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, with local representatives, will organise grassroots awareness drives. ASHA workers and Self-Help Group (SHG) members will also participate.
The Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department will promote the message through street plays and folk performances, and the Electronics and IT Department will provide technical support. Activities such as quiz contests, mass runs, rallies, and awareness programs through television, radio, and cinema halls will be held to reach wider audiences.
The campaign aims to enhance cyber security awareness among students, parents, teachers, youth, job seekers, women, senior citizens, SHG members, professionals, and entrepreneurs across the state. The Cyber Rath will travel through different districts to spread the message.
Citizens will also be educated about the cybercrime helpline number (7030) and the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal to encourage prompt reporting of cyber offences.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday, emphasised making the campaign impactful and people-centric.
He directed departmental secretaries to strengthen institutional mechanisms for cyber protection and maintain year-round vigilance.
Ahuja also suggested introducing a cybersecurity curriculum in schools and colleges, launching online certification courses, and continuously improving the state’s cyber response systems.
The meeting, organised by the Home Department, was attended by DGP Y.B. Khurania, DGP, CID-Crime Branch Vinaytosh Mishra, IG, CID-CB Sarthak Sadangi, SP, CID-CB Smit Parmar, and senior officials from various departments, including Higher Education, School and Mass Education, Health and Family Welfare, Odia Language and Culture, Social Welfare, Mission Shakti, and I&PR.
