Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting to review the effectiveness of cybercrime prevention measures in the union territory. He instructed all concerned departments to complete statutory, administrative, and technical formalities within the stipulated timeframe to strengthen the cybersecurity framework.
Key Directives and Focus Areas
During the meeting, Dulloo emphasized the need for a coordinated approach among law enforcement agencies, the IT department, and other stakeholders. He highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about common cyber threats such as phishing, online fraud, and digital arrest scams. The Chief Secretary also called for the swift implementation of the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme and the strengthening of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) framework in the region.
Statistics and Current Challenges
According to data presented in the meeting, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant rise in cybercrime cases, with over 1,200 complaints registered in the first half of 2026 alone. The majority of these cases involve financial fraud, followed by social media-related crimes. The Chief Secretary noted that the conviction rate for cybercrimes remains low, underscoring the need for specialized training for investigators and prosecutors.
Implementation Timeline and Monitoring
Dulloo set a deadline of three months for completing all pending formalities, including the establishment of a dedicated cyber forensic laboratory and the recruitment of skilled personnel. He directed the Home Department to submit a monthly progress report. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Home Department, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Information Technology Department.
Public Awareness and Coordination
The Chief Secretary stressed that public awareness is the first line of defense against cybercrime. He suggested leveraging social media platforms, local newspapers, and community outreach programs to spread awareness. He also called for better coordination between the state police and central agencies like the Cyber Cell of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
