Harivansh asks new RS members to protect digital devices from cyber attacks
New Delhi, July 26
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Sunday cautioned newly-elected members against cyber-attacks and unauthorised access to their official digital devices, describing login credentials as assets of the House.
Delivering the valedictory speech at the two-day orientation workshop 'Prarambh' for the new members, Harivansh highlighted the impact of the technological revolution on Parliamentary functioning.
He noted that technology experts had briefed Members on digital security in Parliament and emerging technologies in governance and asserted that Parliament can lead the nation through the technological revolution only when Members themselves are well-versed in technology.
He said that large-scale digitisation had made the House increasingly paperless and efficient, and that all Members are provided with digital devices.
He stressed that these devices must be protected from cyber-attacks and unauthorised access, describing login credentials as assets of the House whose security is the responsibility of every Member.
Harivansh emphasised that Members' learning does not end with the Orientation Programme and described the programme as only the beginning of a continuous process of self-improvement.
He encouraged Members to study past Parliamentary procedures, read notable debates, watch recordings of distinguished Parliamentarians such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Arun Jaitley and Chandrashekhar, and observe Parliamentary traditions in other countries.
Harivansh said that the two-day Orientation Programme organised for the newly elected and nominated Members of the Rajya Sabha had been meticulously designed to familiarise Members with the rules, procedures, conventions and traditions of the House, enabling them to play an effective role in the Chamber.
He added that the programme had been organised into distinct sessions so that Members could gain a thorough understanding of the Rules of Procedure and the functioning of the Secretariat.
Presentations by senior Members and officials, he noted, had explained parliamentary practices through factual and real-life examples, and Members had undoubtedly benefited from the experience.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, a practical training session for MPs. We often focus on rules and procedures but forget the basics—like not clicking on phishing links. Good reminder for everyone, not just politicians.
Nice to see emphasis on both security AND continuous learning. But I wish they'd also teach these members about data privacy laws—our Aadhaar data has been leaked enough times! ♀️
I appreciate the part about studying past parliamentary debates—learning from Vajpayee ji and others is a great idea. But cybersecurity training should be mandatory for all government officials, not just new MPs.
The orientation seems well-structured. But what about older MPs who are digitally illiterate? They also need such training. Mera ek suggestion: make cybersecurity a recurring session every year, not just a one-time thing.
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