President Murmu Calls for Stronger Cyber Safety Measures and Financial Education
President Droupadi Murmu has voiced serious concerns over the rising tide of cyber fraud across the country, urging a collective push toward greater digital awareness and financial education. Speaking at the ‘Black Swan Summit’ in Odisha, organized by the state government in partnership with the Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN), the President emphasized the urgent need to equip citizens—especially the younger generation—with the knowledge required to navigate an increasingly digital world safely.
The Critical Role of Digital Literacy in Combating Fraud
During her address, President Murmu acknowledged the transformative power of technology in driving economic growth and uplifting every segment of society. However, she cautioned that the same technological advances are being misused for online and financial scams, often wiping out the lifetime savings of hardworking individuals and leaving them grappling with severe mental and social distress.
She stressed that awareness and vigilance are the first lines of defense against such fraudulent activities. The President strongly advocated for the inclusion of digital and financial literacy in school curricula, arguing that children must learn both the benefits and the risks associated with technology from an early age. By embedding these lessons into formal education, she believes young minds will be better prepared to make informed decisions and protect themselves in the digital ecosystem.
Government Measures and Emerging Technological Threats
Highlighting the proactive steps taken by the central government, President Murmu pointed to the establishment of key institutions such as the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System, and dedicated cyber fraud prevention units. These platforms are designed to streamline the reporting of digital crimes and coordinate prevention efforts nationwide.
She appealed to all stakeholders—policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and civil society—to work collaboratively in promoting digital and financial literacy, ensuring that people from all walks of life remain protected from online exploitation.
Speaking about the current technological landscape, the President remarked, “We are living in an era of unprecedented technological evolution. New innovations are emerging so rapidly that our systems, skills, and business models often struggle to keep pace. At the same time, these swift advancements bring serious challenges, including cybersecurity threats, deepfakes, misinformation, and an over-reliance on technology.”
Despite these obstacles, she acknowledged that rapid technological change has also fueled remarkable progress in innovation and development across multiple sectors.
Fintech as a Catalyst for Inclusive Growth
Reflecting on the last decade, President Murmu noted the significant transformation of India’s financial landscape. Farmers, small shopkeepers, and women across the country now have easier access to bank accounts and digital payment systems. For them, fintech has evolved from a mere technical concept into an everyday necessity that empowers their livelihoods and connects them to the broader economy.
Empowering Women in the Digital Economy
Placing special emphasis on the financial empowerment of women, the President stated, “Women represent a crucial demographic that requires focused attention in the fintech space. They should not be viewed merely as end-users but as leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs within the ecosystem.” She called on developers and policymakers to ensure that every new digital platform, product, or policy actively integrates women into the financial and technological mainstream.
She further observed that the mere existence of fintech solutions does not automatically guarantee inclusive development. Many individuals residing in remote, tribal, and rural regions still lack proper knowledge of digital tools. Bridging this gap, she argued, is essential to enabling these communities to participate fully in the growth story of the nation.
A Call for Responsible Innovation
In her concluding remarks, President Murmu appealed to entrepreneurs and innovators to channel their creativity toward making technology a force for social justice and collective progress. She urged them to design solutions that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of the digital revolution reach the most marginalized sections of society.
Her address served as a timely reminder that as technology continues to reshape the world, the pillars of education, awareness, and ethical innovation must remain at the forefront of national strategy.
