DSCI, supported by the British High Commission, New Delhi will be executing a four-month long cyber awareness drive, starting today, in various schools of Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India. Fifteen schools from the cities of Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore and Chattarpur have been selected for this programme. The Cyber for YOUth initiative is designed to educate school students with necessary cyber skills, online best practices and empower them with tips and tools to stay safe online.
The long-term objective of Cyber for YOUth is to spread awareness State-by-State among youngsters to build a foundation for a more secure future. Alongside students, who are the primary beneficiaries, the schoolteachers and administrative staff will also receive awareness training ensuring a holistic approach towards cyber safety and online privacy practices.
The initiative is being supported by the British High Commission, New Delhi as part of the India-UK Cyber Programme. Cyber Security cooperation is central to the India-UK relationship, building bridges and enhancing collaboration and coordination between our societies. The programme aims to build an enhanced Cyber Security Partnership, strengthening the bonds between the nations through deeper people-to-people ties, stronger economic ties, more resilient supply chains, and creating a safer cyber space for all. The programme focus lies on deepening key international partnerships, growing mutual cyber resilience, governance, deterrence and industry collaboration, closely supporting the National Cyber Security pillars.
The state of Madhya Pradesh has been chosen for this phase due to various achievements made by the state in recent times. It has made significant progress in ensuring quality education for all particularly at the elementary level, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The state has also taken many steps for enhancing the quality of higher education and technical education with a priority accorded to vocational training and skill initiatives for harnessing youth power in the state.
Vinayak Godse, CEO, DSCI, said, “The goal of DSCI is to impart cyber and online privacy awareness among Young Indians through the Cyber for YOUth programme. With students getting exposed early to the digital world, the programme will help them experience the cyberspace as a positive force for knowledge, exploration and growth, rather than a threat. I would like to extend my gratitude towards the British High Commission, New Delhi to come forward and support us in this noble cause. With Madhya Pradesh State Government’s numerous initiatives to nurture the youth with necessary skills, together, this initiative will strive to build a digitally safe environment for students and a safer Internet for all.”
Anand Krishnan, ISF India Cyber Programme Advisor, British High Commission, India, said, “We have seen rapid digital adoption across diverse regions and communities in India, including Madhya Pradesh. At the same time, we have also witnessed a steady rise in Cybercrime worldwide, making cyberspace difficult to navigate especially for vulnerable groups such as children. This initiative highlights the critical need for collective efforts to tackle international issues like cyber security. We are proud to support DSCI with the Cyber for YOUth programme, which will empower the youth of Madhya Pradesh to contribute to a secure digital future for both our countries.”
