RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: “Cybercrime is the biggest challenge of today,” said Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, underlining the government's commitment to combating the modern menace on Wednesday.

He inaugurated the state-level Cyber Bhawan at the Police Headquarters in Nava Raipur, marking a significant step in the fight against cybercrime in state.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the increasing threat of cybercrime and the urgent need for public awareness and advanced technical skills to tackle it effectively.

Highlighting the importance of awareness, he mentioned that 410 public awareness programs were conducted in October alone, reaching over 2.3 lakh people with critical information on cyber security.

The Chief Minister unveiled two cutting-edge applications—Samadhan and Sakshad, developed by the Police Department to enhance efficiency in cybercrime detection and prevention.

The government has signed agreements with IIT Bhilai and IIM Raipur to address cybercrime and human trafficking challenges through innovation and technical support.

Police officers and employees who demonstrated exceptional skill in combating cybercrimes, including dismantling a cryptocurrency and share-trading fraud network, were felicitated.

MoUs were signed with eight banks to provide financial support to police officers and staff during adverse circumstances.

The Chief Minister lauded the Chhattisgarh Police for their expertise and effectiveness, calling them ‘fully capable of tracking criminals’ and addressing complex cyber challenges. He praised online safety modules developed by UNICEF, particularly for protecting children in the digital age.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma commended the police force for its efforts in both combating cybercrime and significantly reducing Naxalism in Bastar.

“The Cyber Bhawan and recent initiatives will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of our citizens in the digital world,” he remarked. He also mentioned the Cyber Awareness Fortnight, which aimed to educate citizens on safe internet practices.

Chief Minister Sai reiterated the government's dedication to using cutting-edge technology and efficient strategies to prevent cybercrimes. "We will continue to innovate and implement bold measures for the welfare of our citizens," he said.