In response to the rising cases of cybercrime, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step by approving the establishment of cybercrime police stations in all 75 districts of the state. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting held at Lok Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, as announced in a statement from the government of Uttar Pradesh.
The move aims to enhance the state’s ability to tackle cyber threats effectively. Presently, cybercrime police stations operate in all 18 divisions of the state, overseen by an Inspector General (IG)-level officer. However, with the establishment of cybercrime police stations in all districts, the responsibility will shift to the Superintendent of Police, according to the official statement.
Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, providing details of the Cabinet’s decisions, highlighted the urgency of expanding cybercrime infrastructure due to the escalating incidents in the state. The initiative is estimated to cost Rs 1.25 billion.
Khanna stated, “The government is committed to expeditiously working on this, ensuring the prompt establishment of these police stations. This endeavor aims not only to enhance vigilance against cybercrime but also to enable the effective enforcement of measures against such criminal activities.”
The new cybercrime police stations will be set up in districts including Unnao, Rae Bareli, Sitapur, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Barabanki, Mathura, Jaunpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli, among others.
Highlighting the current scenario of cybercrime in the state, Khanna noted that Uttar Pradesh leads in terms of convictions, with a conviction rate of 87.8%, surpassing the national average of 46.5%. He emphasized that the state has registered 10,117 cybercrime cases in 2022, reflecting the urgency of bolstering cybersecurity measures.
In addition to the cybersecurity initiative, the Cabinet also approved the establishment of an Advanced Pediatric Center at the PGI (Post Graduate Institute) in Lucknow. This center, announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will feature over 20 departments and 575 beds, with an estimated project cost of Rs 199 crore 10 lakh 52 thousand. The Chief Minister has set a directive for the completion of construction within 18 months, emphasizing the center’s role in providing a secure treatment environment for children.
Furthermore, the government granted relief to advocates by approving a Rs 100 crore increase in the Advocate Welfare Fund. The fund assists the families of deceased advocates, with the amount provided rising from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The government aims to elevate the fund from Rs 200 crore to Rs 500 crore to further support the legal community.
