Union law minister calls for campaign against cybercrime

Jaipur: Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Sunday called for large-scale public awareness campaigns to tackle the growing menace of cybercrime, stating that while digitalisation brought unprecedented convenience, it also created "new and complex challenges". He was addressing the concluding session of a three day national workshop on "Cyber Safety: Awareness, Protection and Inclusive Access to Justice", organised by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur Sunday. The workshop focused on strengthening cyber awareness, improving digital access to justice, and building institutional capacity to deal with emerging online threats.
Meghwal said the 21st century would belong to Asia and India would lead the way. "Whether it is cybercrime or any other type of crime, India will play a leading role in curbing them," he asserted. Highlighting the rapid pace of technological transformation, the minister said informed and vigilant citizens form the first line of defence against cyber frauds, financial scams, and online offences. "The revolution in information and technology brought significant changes in our lives. From finding an address while travelling to making payments with a single click, life became easier. However, it also created new and complex challenges that can only be tackled through massive awareness, education, and strong legal frameworks," he said."As India advances rapidly in the era of digital transformation and Industry 4.0, we must ensure that awareness keeps pace with technology," Meghwal added, stressing the need for coordinated efforts involving the govt, judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and civil society. Acting chief justice of Rajasthan High Court, Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, emphasised that effective handling of cybercrime cases requires specialised and continuous training for police personnel at all levels. "Not only senior officers but also constables and lower-ranked staff must be equipped with a sound understanding of cyber laws," he said.