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Key Points

The WCD Ministry is expanding its cybersecurity awareness drive to frontline workers, including Anganwadi staff. The initiative aims to strengthen digital safety for women and children, who are key beneficiaries. Experts from I4C and CERT-In highlighted rising cyber threats during a recent workshop. The ministry’s tech-driven programs, like Poshan Tracker, rely on secure digital systems, making this training crucial.

Key Points: WCD Ministry Expands Cybersecurity Drive to Anganwadi Frontline Workers

  • Ministry to train Anganwadi workers in digital safety
  • Focus on women and children’s online security
  • Collaboration with I4C and CERT-In for cybercrime awareness
  • PwC India demonstrates real-life hacking risks
2 min read

WCD Ministry to expand cybersecurity drive to frontline workers in next phase

WCD Ministry to train Anganwadi staff and state workers in cybersecurity as part of its next-phase digital safety initiative.

"Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time effort, but a daily habit that demands awareness and responsibility. – Ministry Officials"

New Delhi, June 27

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) on Friday said it is set to take its cybersecurity awareness efforts to the grassroots level in the next phase of the initiative.

The ministry aims to equip frontline workers, including Anganwadi staff and state-level stakeholders, with crucial knowledge about online safety and digital security practices.

The announcement came during a ‘Cyber Security Awareness Workshop’ organised here, which focused on building awareness about cyber threats, safe internet use and digital responsibility -- especially for women and children who are central to the nation’s growth.

The event marked the beginning of a larger initiative by the ministry to strengthen cybersecurity across its vast service delivery network.

While the first phase focused on internal awareness among officials and staff, the upcoming phase will take the message to the field, ensuring that digital safety practices reach those who interact most directly with beneficiaries.

Top cybersecurity experts from both government and industry shared insights at the event.

Representatives from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) highlighted the rising risks of cybercrime and the importance of staying alert.

PwC India also demonstrated real-life hacking scenarios to help participants understand how to build digital resilience.

The key message was clear -- cybersecurity isn’t a one-time effort, but a daily habit that demands awareness and responsibility.

Speaking at the event, Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry, underlined the importance of digital vigilance in today’s world.

He said that as government officials handling sensitive data, it is essential to stay informed and adopt secure online practices. He also encouraged participants to fully utilise the learnings from the sessions.

Over the last decade, the ministry has adopted several tech-driven initiatives to improve service delivery.

From the award-winning Poshan Tracker to the paperless Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, digital tools have helped bring services to over 10 crore beneficiaries.

Initiatives like SHe-Box, Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya portals offer support and legal assistance to women and children.

These platforms rely heavily on secure digital systems, making cybersecurity awareness even more critical.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is such an important initiative! In rural areas, many Anganwadi workers are now using smartphones but lack awareness about online scams. My aunt who works at an Anganwadi center was nearly tricked by a fake KYC call last month. Govt should make training modules in regional languages too 🙏
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Rahul S.
Good move but implementation is key. Cybersecurity can't be a one-day workshop. Need continuous training and helpline support. Also, why only WCD? All ministries dealing with public data should have such programs. Data leaks from govt portals are becoming too common these days.
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Anjali M.
As a mother, I'm really happy to see focus on children's online safety. Kids today are so tech-savvy but vulnerable too. Schools should also conduct such workshops for parents. The PwC hacking demo sounds interesting - practical examples work better than theoretical lectures 👍
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Vikram P.
Digital India needs Cyber Safe India! But will the training reach all 14 lakh Anganwadi workers? Hope they use simple, relatable examples - many workers are first-time smartphone users. Maybe use WhatsApp groups for regular tips in local languages. Jai Hind!
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Sunita R.
While this is good, what about cybersecurity for ordinary citizens? So many middle-class families lose money to online frauds daily. Banks and telecom companies should also conduct awareness programs. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to cyber crimes.

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