Cyber security issues be given highest priority :PM

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 8, 2018, addressed the valedictory ceremony at the Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police at BSF Academy at Tekanpur in Madhya Pradesh (MP).

The Prime Minister recalled how the nature and scope of the conference have changed since 2014 beginning with its being shifted out of Delhi. He appreciated the officers who have been instrumental in facilitating this change. The Prime Minister said that the conference has now become more relevant in the context of challenges and responsibilities facing the country. He said the new format of the conference has resulted in a marked improvement in the quality of discussions.

The PM commended the country’s security apparatus for the work they are doing in securing the country. He said that the officers present in the gathering today have  delivered  leadership despite often having to operate in an environment of  negativity. He said that as a result of the discussions at this conference over the last few years, now, once an objective is clearly defined for the police force, there is a lot of cohesion in the execution. He said this conference is helping top police officers get a more holistic view of problems and challenges. He said the range of topics being discussed has become more broad-based over the last two years. This has helped give a whole new vision to senior police officers, he added, according to a PIB release.

Discussing ways to add even more value to this conference, the Prime Minister suggested that follow up should continue through working groups the year round. In this context, he specially emphasised on the importance of involving younger officers. He said this would greatly help in improving effectiveness of the exercise.

The Prime Minister mentioned the emerging global consensus towards greater information sharing on illicit financial dealings and said India had a key role to play in achieving this. He said just as openness is getting increased acceptance worldwide, there is need for greater openness among states too on security issues. He said that security can’t be achieved selectively, or alone. But breaking of silos and information sharing among states can help make everyone more secure. “We are not an assembled entity, but an organic entity,” the PM asserted.

The Prime Minister said cyber security issues should be dealt with immediately and should receive highest priority. In this context, he particularly mentioned the importance of social media. He said messaging should rely on local languages for greater effectiveness. On radicalisation too, the Prime Minister urged the use of technology to pinpoint problem areas.

The Prime Minister also presented President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service to IB officers. During his address, the Prime Minister congratulated and appreciated the medal winning officers of IB for their dedication and commitment to service. Union Home Minister Raj Nath Singh, and Union Ministers of State for Home Hansraj Ahir and Kiren Rijiju were present on the occasion.