‘Economist PM did not know about zero budget account’:CM takes jibe at former PM; announces establishment of cyber security research center in Mhow

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav took a major dig at former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s credentials as an economist without naming him. While addressing a state-level consultative workshop on cyber security and state data security organised in Bhopal, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister, who was there earlier in the country, was a great expert in economics, but even such a learned person did not know about zero balance accounts being opened and their significance. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foresight, the Chief Minister said that Modi ji got zero balance accounts opened in the country and through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), money was sent directly to the accounts of the poor, which has curbed corruption. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav was addressing a state-level workshop on cyber security and state data security organised at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium in Bhopal. Describing cybersecurity as an extremely serious subject, he said that in changing times, data security has now become more important than border security. The CM also announced the establishment of a State Data Cyber Security Research Centre in Mhow. It is extremely concerning that a person’s lifetime earnings can be wiped out in an instant. The world has acknowledged the strength of UPI today, which makes the responsibility of cybersecurity even greater. Only then will citizens’ trust in this system remain intact. The Chief Minister warned officials in a stern tone that there is no room for mere talk or storytelling when it comes to the challenge of cybercrime; this is a matter of complete accountability. If there is negligence, recovery will also be made from the concerned department itself. In the future, we will have to be fully committed to our system. Cybersecurity is being given top priority in Madhya Pradesh. In this regard, the Chief Minister announced that the state government will establish a state-of-the-art Cyber Security Research Centre in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE). The Chief Minister said that the speciality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is that he identifies upcoming threats in advance and makes society aware. He said that in today’s “demon age”, when an entire mall can be blown up without anyone coming or going, strong cyber management is most needed. Through this workshop, we will reach concrete decisions, because in today’s era, citizens’ data has become the most valuable asset. Cybercrime increased 77 times in 14 years, public’s ₹137 cr stopped in MP: ADG Sai Manohar In the workshop, ADG Intelligence Sai Manohar presented a detailed account of cyber crimes and police action in Madhya Pradesh. He stated that the real surge in cyber crimes occurred rapidly after the COVID pandemic. In the year 2000, when he was an Additional SP in Bhopal, the first cybercrime was registered at TT Nagar police station, which involved a case of BSNL internet time theft. Today, more than one lakh FIRs of cyber crimes have been registered in the state. He mentioned that cyber crimes have increased 77 times in the last 14 years. Currently, approximately 77 thousand complaints are being received every year in Madhya Pradesh. Last year, 1,400 cybercrimes were registered. After the launch of the country’s first ‘I-Zero FIR’ by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, nearly 1,500 FIRs have been registered in the state in just the last five months, and this number is expected to cross 3,000 by the end of the year. The ADG stated that after the Chief Minister’s directives, the capacity of the cyber helpline was increased threefold. The result was that whereas earlier only ₹52 crore worth of fraud was being prevented, now ₹137 crore of public money has been saved from cyber fraud. He mentioned that in 2021, cyber frauds worth ₹550 crore were reported across the country, which increased to ₹22,495 crore in 2025. Through digital arrest, fraudsters are targeting elderly people, pensioners, and common citizens. Frauds worth crores of rupees are being committed by posing as CBI, ED, or Army officers, which was also mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program. Several serious cyber attacks have also occurred in Madhya Pradesh. In 2023, there was a cyber attack on MP Nagar Palika, which was controlled in time. This year too, attempts have been made to hack Mansarovar and Sarthak Data. ADG Sai Manohar stated that if the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Act is fully implemented next year, there will be a provision for a penalty of up to ₹250 crore in case of data leaks. The financial responsibility will ultimately fall on the state government. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to work on the principle of “prevention is better than cure”. He said that after a cyber crime occurs, the initial 15 to 20 minutes or the first hour is like a “golden hour”. If a complaint is registered on the 1930 helpline during this time, the money can be automatically held. The police have launched several special campaigns to control cyber crimes, which include ‘Operation Matrix’, ‘Operation Khatam’, and ‘Operation Nine’ against those selling SIM cards in bulk. Under ‘Operation First and Fast’, 37 major criminals have been arrested by catching the original bank account holders. He informed that the second phase of the ‘Safe Click 2.0’ campaign will begin from June 24, in which 1,500 people will start the awareness campaign from Ravindra Bhavan. Currently, 6 cyber commandos are working in the state, while 34 more have been selected. Additionally, 3,000 college volunteers will also be included in cybersecurity awareness and security arrangements for major events. State government becomes responsible when services are disrupted due to hacking: PS M. Selvendran Speaking at a cybersecurity workshop, Science and Technology Department Principal Secretary M. Selvendran said Madhya Pradesh is among the country’s leading states in e-governance and has received several national awards for digital citizen services. He stressed that rising digital services have also increased cybersecurity risks, with many banking frauds linked to data leaks from government agencies. Selvendran said securing government data is crucial and highlighted the role of MPSEDC, which has conducted advanced cybersecurity work, including investigations into Chinese hacking groups. He added that the workshop aims to strengthen cyber preparedness and develop rapid response mechanisms for cyber incidents. Army officers, cyber experts, industry specialists, and security officials participated in the event.