120 sarpanchs get first-hand lessons in fighting cybercrime

Panaji: Goa police on Monday held a training session for 120 sarpanchs on cyber safety and security, urging them to launch a local campaign to spread awareness about cybercrime.

The cybercrime awareness programme was organised by the Cybercrime police station along with the directorate of panchayats, focusing on educating sarpanchs and local officials on essential digital safety practices. SP (cybercrime) Rahul Gupta, said, “Sarpanchs are important stakeholders in taking govt’s initiative to the grassroots level. Hence this initiative aimed to equip local governance leaders with knowledge and tools needed to protect their communities from online threats.”

Topics such as identifying cyber threats, understanding online fraud schemes, and preventing data breaches were covered during the session. Vidyanand Pawar, PI from the cybercrime unit, provided a hands-on training on secure online practices, highlighting how sarpanchs can help raise awareness and prevent fraud.

The key highlights of the session included an overview of common cyber threats such as phishing, social media scams, and UPI frauds, techniques for secure online transactions and safeguarding digital identities, guidance on how to report cybercrime incidents through the 1930 and national cybercrime reporting portal and suggestions for local campaigns to spread awareness about cybercrime prevention among villagers.

Gupta said that sarpanchs committed to implementing the safety practices. “In today’s digital age it is essential that our village leaders understand the risks of cybercrime and are prepared to help their communities stay safe online,” he said.

The cybercrime police station encouraged sarpanchs to organise similar awareness sessions in their jurisdiction and involve cybercell staff as well as student volunteers.