Empowering Jharkhand MLAs for Cyber-Resilient Governance: A Landmark Cybersecurity & AI Awareness Programme

Ranchi | 3 July 2026

As governments increasingly embrace digital platforms for governance, communication, and public service delivery, cybersecurity has become a critical responsibility for policymakers. Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), who regularly engage with citizens through digital platforms and handle sensitive public information, are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats such as phishing, identity theft, misinformation, social engineering, and AI-enabled fraud.

Recognising the need to build cyber-resilient leadership, Bal Kalyan Sangh, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation and CyberPeace Foundation, organised a Cybersecurity and AI Awareness Programme for the Hon’ble Members of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly on 3 July 2026 at the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha, Ranchi. The programme was conducted under The Asia Foundation’s APAC Cybersecurity Fund (ACF) with support from Google.org.

Building Digital Leadership Among Legislators

The programme was designed exclusively for Members of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly to strengthen their understanding of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and responsible digital governance. The objective was to equip legislators with practical knowledge to identify emerging cyber threats, secure their digital communications, protect sensitive information, and promote cyber awareness within their constituencies.

By strengthening the cyber preparedness of elected representatives, the initiative contributes to creating safer digital institutions and more resilient governance systems across Jharkhand.

Distinguished Dignitaries Grace the Programme

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Rabindranath Mahato, Hon’ble Speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, who attended as the Chief Guest. The event was also graced by Smt. Mahua Maji, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri C.P. Singh, Hon’ble Member of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, and Shri Naveen Jaiswal, Hon’ble Member of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.

Other distinguished guests included Shri Sanjit Singh, Secretary In-charge, Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, Smt. Nandita Baruah, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation, Shri Mayank Murari, CSR Head, Usha Martin Foundation, and Shri Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Founder, Bal Kalyan Sangh.

Welcoming the participants, Shri Sanjay Kumar Mishra emphasised that as governance increasingly relies on digital technologies, public representatives must possess the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving cyber landscape securely.

Smt. Nandita Baruah highlighted that MLAs represent diverse constituencies encompassing education, healthcare, trade, infrastructure, and public administration. Equipping legislators with cybersecurity knowledge therefore strengthens the digital resilience of multiple institutions and ultimately benefits millions of citizens.

Legislators Call for Stronger Cyber Awareness and Policy

During the inaugural session, the dignitaries reflected on the growing impact of cybercrime across the country and the need for collective action.

Hon’ble Speaker Shri Rabindranath Mahato stressed that cybersecurity laws must evolve continuously to keep pace with rapidly changing technologies. He also advocated for integrating cybersecurity awareness into schools, colleges, and public institutions.

Hon’ble MLA Shri C.P. Singh shared his own experience of attempted cyber fraud and observed that if elected representatives can become targets, ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. He called for stronger legal safeguards and greater public awareness.

Hon’ble MLA Shri Naveen Jaiswal proposed that cybersecurity become a regular subject of discussion in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. Referring to Jharkhand’s challenges with cyber fraud, he emphasised the importance of expanding awareness among rural communities, where many citizens remain unaware of common online scams.

Hon’ble MP Smt. Mahua Maji underlined the urgent need to extend cybersecurity awareness beyond urban centres. She also highlighted the growing challenge posed by misinformation, viral fake content, and AI-generated media, stressing that awareness must become an integral part of digital governance.

Technical Sessions: Understanding Today’s Cyber Threat Landscape

The technical sessions were led by cybersecurity experts from CyberPeace Foundation, providing legislators with practical knowledge on today’s rapidly evolving cyber ecosystem.

Shri H.C. Joshi, Technical Head, CyberPeace Foundation

Shri H.C. Joshi delivered an engaging session on the evolving cyber threat landscape, explaining how cybercriminals, state-sponsored actors, hacktivists, and organised fraud networks target public representatives and institutions. He discussed common attack vectors such as phishing emails, fraudulent SMS messages, fake websites, malicious social media campaigns, and identity theft.

He also emphasised the importance of adopting strong cybersecurity practices, including secure passwords, multi-factor authentication, software updates, secure Wi-Fi usage, and organisational cyber hygiene to safeguard both personal and official digital assets.

Shri Naman Shreedhar, Researcher, CyberPeace Foundation

Shri Naman Shreedhar conducted practical demonstrations of digital safety tools that legislators can use in their everyday lives. Participants learned how to verify suspicious files and links using VirusTotal, evaluate password strength, identify AI-generated content, and check unauthorised SIM registrations through government-authorised platforms.

The interactive demonstrations enabled legislators to better understand emerging cyber risks while providing practical solutions that can be immediately adopted.

Reporting Cybercrime and Protecting Digital Assets

Participants were introduced to official cyber incident reporting mechanisms, including the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, the 1930 Cyber Fraud Helpline, and other authorised grievance redressal platforms. The experts also emphasised the importance of timely reporting, evidence preservation, and responsible digital behaviour.

Each participant received a Cyber Security Quick Guide developed by CyberPeace Foundation, covering essential cyber hygiene practices and an overview of India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework.

Interactive Learning and Meaningful Dialogue

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session where Members of the Legislative Assembly engaged directly with cybersecurity experts. Through live polling and open discussions, participants explored real-life cybersecurity challenges, clarified concerns regarding AI and digital fraud, and discussed ways to strengthen cyber resilience within government institutions and their constituencies.

Towards a Cyber-Resilient Jharkhand

The Cybersecurity and AI Awareness Programme marked an important milestone in strengthening the digital preparedness of Jharkhand’s legislators. By equipping MLAs with practical knowledge of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, the initiative supports informed policymaking, secure digital governance, and stronger institutional resilience.

Bal Kalyan Sangh remains committed to working with government institutions, development partners, and technical experts to promote cybersecurity awareness, responsible technology use, and digital safety across Jharkhand. As cyber threats continue to evolve, empowering public representatives with the knowledge to lead securely is essential for protecting citizens, strengthening democratic institutions, and building a resilient digital future for the state.