Cybersecurity must become People’s Movement—Every Citizen must be digitally aware: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that cyber threats are invisible enemies that can reach our homes without warning. Understanding cyber threats is the most effective way to protect oneself from them. He said, “Caution is security, and awareness is protection”.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, addressing the inauguration ceremony of ‘Safe Click 2.0’ under the Statewide Cyber Awareness Campaign at Ravindra Bhavan on Wednesday, said that cybercrimes such as digital arrest scams, deepfakes, fake profiles, hacking, data breaches, online fraud, OTP scams, online shopping fraud, ransomware attacks and fake investment links are increasing rapidly. In such circumstances, every citizen must remain vigilant. The Chief Minister outlined the three pillars of cyber safety—awareness, caution and participation—and urged those who are knowledgeable about cyber security to spread awareness among others. The campaign, which commenced on June 24, will continue until July 8 across all 10 divisions, 55 districts and more than 50,000 villages of the State. It aims to educate citizens to protect themselves from cyber fraud and other cybercrimes.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released cyber awareness posters, cyber safety booklets prepared for schoolchildren and the campaign’s official video. He flagged off a Cyber Awareness Rath. The Chief Minister was welcomed with a Tulsi sapling and presented with a memento at the conclusion of the programme.

Madhya Pradesh Police Always Acts as a Protector in Times of Crisis

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, appreciating the efforts of Madhya Pradesh Police in conducting the campaign, said that the State Police always plays the role of a protector in times of crisis, much like Lord Hanuman. He informed that more than 3.3 million citizens were sensitised through various cyber awareness activities conducted across the State in 2025. The campaign will now be expanded to Panchayats, schools, banks, marketplaces, religious places and government offices. The Chief Minister noted that nearly 1,700 services of 56 government departments are available through an integrated digital portal, and ensuring the security of these services is among the State Government’s highest priorities.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, appealing to citizens to transform cybersecurity into a people’s movement, said that cyber threats are increasingly entering daily life in invisible forms. Awareness and vigilance remain the most effective tools for preventing cybercrimes committed through smartphones and computers.

‘Safe Click 2.0’ Will Play a Vital Role in Cyber Awareness

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh Police’s ‘Safe Click 2.0’ campaign will play a significant role in creating awareness about cybercrime across the State. He described cybercriminals as ‘Digital-age Predators’ who silently infiltrate lives through laptops, computers and mobile phones. ‘Today, cybercrimes such as digital arrest scams, deepfakes, data breaches, online fraud and ransomware attacks have become increasingly common.  He said However, caution remains the strongest defence against such crimes. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also stated that Madhya Pradesh Police was the first in the country to expose a cyber robbery operation in real time, and congratulated the force for its achievement.

Awareness Is the Strongest Shield Against Cybercrime

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that through its cyber awareness initiatives last year, the State Police reached more than 3.3 million citizens. Under the 15-day ‘Safe Click 2.0’ campaign, each day will focus on a different theme, including banking security, women’s safety and awareness in rural areas. The campaign will be conducted in banks, markets, schools, religious places and other public spaces. Special public outreach programmes have been designed to engage citizens effectively. The campaign will promote cyber safety through awareness, caution and public participation. Citizens are also being informed about the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The helpline serves as the first line of support for victims of cyber fraud.

Greed and Haste Can Lead to Financial Loss

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav urged citizens to remain cautious and advised them to ‘Stop, Think and Then Act’ if they receive suspicious links or threatening calls. He warned that greed and haste often result in financial losses. He urged citizens to actively participate in spreading awareness and expanding the reach. The State Government has established a robust framework to combat cybercrime, while the Government of India has implemented the Digital Personal Data Protection Act to safeguard citizens’ data. The State has also constituted a Computer Emergency Response Team, while more than 1,700 services of 56 departments have been integrated into a single digital platform. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described this as a commendable initiative. He said that the ‘Safe Click 2.0’ campaign has brought together banks, markets, religious institutions and other stakeholders and that it has been launched at an appropriate time as students across the State are seeking admission to higher education institutions.

Awareness is the Best Defence Against Cybercrime: DGP Shri Makwana

Director General of Police Shri Kailash Makwana said that Madhya Pradesh Police is conducting the ‘Safe Click 2.0’ Cyber Awareness Campaign from June 24 to July 8. He said that cybercrime today is not merely a financial challenge but also a serious issue affecting social trust and national security. Cybercrime has increased significantly in recent years, with nearly 80 per cent of complaints related to financial fraud. Cases involving digital arrest scams, deepfakes, fake profiles, fake SIM cards, mule bank accounts, and crimes targeting women and children have also increased. Madhya Pradesh Police is working actively to curb cybercrime through a strategy based on prevention, investigation and awareness.

DGP Shri Makwana informed that the State introduced the e-Zero FIR system on December 25, 2025. At present, e-Zero FIRs are being registered for cyber fraud cases involving losses of up to ₹1 lakh, helping victims obtain timely justice. The Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 is also providing prompt assistance to victims. Efforts are continuing to freeze funds involved in cyber fraud and facilitate their return to victims. During 2025, a total of ₹135 crore was frozen, and substantial amounts were returned to affected individuals. The police are identifying and taking strict action against networks involved in cybercrime, including mule account operators and individuals linked to cyber slavery operations.

Special Operations Conducted to Combat Cybercrime

Madhya Pradesh Police has undertaken several special operations, including Operation Fast, Operation Fest, Operation Matrix and Operation Nayan, to curb cybercrime. The force has also been honoured with the DSCI Award for its efforts.

Public Awareness Is the Greatest Strength in Preventing Cybercrime

DGP Shri Makwana said that prevention and public awareness are the most powerful tools in combating cybercrime. Madhya Pradesh Police has connected with millions of people through its awareness campaigns. The first ‘Safe Click’ campaign became a major public awareness initiative and contributed significantly to curbing digital arrest scams. He expressed confidence that “Safe Click 2.0” would further accelerate these efforts.

DGP Shri Makwana said “The campaign’s core message is simple—Caution Is the Best Defence,” adding that police personnel will travel to villages across the State to educate citizens about cyber safety, banking security, women’s safety and citizen security. Extensive publicity of the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 will also be undertaken.

Additional Director General of Police (Cybersecurity) Shri A. Sai Manohar delivered the vote of thanks and said that Madhya Pradesh Police would work over the next two weeks to take the campaign to every section of society.

Senior police officers, personnel, schoolchildren and a large number of social media influencers were present at the programme.