PANAJI
As the Goa Police expand their Cyber Yoddha volunteer programme to empower citizens in combating cybercrime and promoting digital safety, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced that these volunteers will soon receive increased incentives.
While launching four pioneering initiatives”Dedicated Cyber Helpline Centre (1930), Cyber Yoddha Programme, AI-ML Lab, and Quick Pass Mobile Application”the CM also spoke about enhanced security measures in the current scenario, when several cyber frauds are being reported.
“The citizens should report cyber frauds immediately to ensure that money is frozen in the bank accounts given by the fraudsters... increased incentives will be given to Cyber Yoddhas in due course,” he said.
The Cyber Yoddha programme”a unique community-driven initiative under the Cyber Surakshit Goem campaign”is aimed at empowering trained volunteers from different sectors of society, including students, media professionals, teachers, NGOs, and senior citizens, to act as cyber awareness ambassadors. Over 100 volunteers have been trained so far.
Goa Police said that volunteers are trained by the Cyber Police Station to understand cybercrime trends, identify threats, and educate the public on preventive measures.
“The programme follows a structured model where Cyber Yoddhas will conduct awareness sessions in coordination with Beat Officers and Cyber Teams of police stations across Goa, ensuring widespread outreach and continuous engagement with law enforcement. This is a unique model where college students and Civil Society Organisations have come forward with the police to fight against cybercrime,” it said.
The CM, meanwhile, commended students and faculty of Padre Conceicao College of Engineering for developing the pioneering Quick Pass app for traffic management and preventing harassment of commuters. The app allows drivers to generate a QR code as proof of compliance, eliminating the need for repeated document verification at traffic checkpoints.
“This is the first such app developed by a state in the country. Goa Police are confident that this solution will be emulated by other tourist states in the country,” the CM said.
Recognising the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in law enforcement, Goa Police have established an AI-ML Lab at the Crime Branch, Ribandar, in collaboration with Samruddh Bharat Technologies Pvt Ltd, a Goa-based AI solutions startup.
DGP Alok Kumar reiterated the importance of AI-driven solutions and community participation in modern policing and affirmed the force’s commitment to leveraging technology for public safety and crime prevention. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken in the last few months when it comes to embracing technology”TRACK Centre, QR code-based public feedback, Successful Hackathon 2024, use of the Bhashini app, etc.
