First-Ever Cybersecurity “First Responder Team” Launched in Maliada, Khunti

A Community-Level Initiative to Fight Cyber Fraud in Rural Jharkhand

In a significant step toward strengthening rural cybersecurity, a landmark program was launched today in Maliada village of Khunti district. Under the joint initiative of Bal Kalyan Sangh and CyberPeace Foundation, Khunti’s first-ever village-level Cyber “First Responder Team” has been formally created—marking a historic beginning for community-led cyber safety.

This grassroots initiative aims to protect villagers from rising frauds such as tractor/bakri lottery scams, fake job calls, unauthorized bank withdrawals, misleading websites, OTP fraud, UPI scams, WhatsApp hacking, and social media misuse. With digital threats spreading rapidly across rural areas, this model offers a timely and much-needed shield for vulnerable households.

Who Is Part of the First Responder Team?

The newly formed team includes:

• Ward members

• Gram Pradhan

• Jal Sahiyas

• Health Sahiyas

• Teen volunteers

• School teachers

• Active community representatives

These members will undergo a 10-hour intensive training by cybersecurity experts on:

• Early detection of cyber fraud

• Immediate steps for victims within the first 15 minutes

• How to file a complaint via the 1930 Cyber Fraud Helpline

• Identifying fake calls, links, QR codes, and UPI requests

• Simple methods for social media safety, password hygiene, and data privacy

“Mobile is essential but so is its security”

Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President of CyberPeace Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for cyber awareness in villages.

He highlighted how rural families often fall into traps of fake tractor schemes, job registrations, or livestock lotteries, losing their hard-earned savings.

“Just as mobile phones have become essential in daily life, securing them is equally important. Our goal is to build a trained First Responder Team in every village so communities remain cyber-safe.”

Community Leaders Welcome the Initiative

The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from villagers, ward members, and local leaders.

Elis Odiya, Block Chief of Murhu, praised the effort, stating that even well-educated individuals are increasingly falling victim to cybercrime.
She stressed the need for widespread training and awareness across all villages.

Arun Kumar Sabu, Deputy Block Chief,  commended Bal Kalyan Sangh for taking cybersecurity awareness to rural areas.
He urged that similar programs be organized across all panchayats in Khunti and warned villagers about common fraud tactics:

“Like bait on a fishing hook, fraudsters lure you with offers of free motors, tractors, or lottery prizes. Stay alert—never share OTP, PIN, or bank details with anyone.”

Digital Safety for Children: A Growing Concern

The session also focused on the increasing digital exposure of children in rural households.
Many parents hand over mobile phones to keep children occupied, unaware that kids may unknowingly click on unsafe links or access inappropriate websites. Scammers then take advantage of such situations—calling families, threatening legal action, and creating fear-driven fraud.

The discussion highlighted the importance of:

• Teaching children safe digital habits

• Supervising online activities

• Guiding families to respond calmly and correctly in such situations

No family should fall victim to fear-based manipulation due to a child’s accidental online activity.

A Step Toward a Cyber-Safe Khunti

The event saw participation from hundreds of villagers, ward members, Gram Pradhans, and community leaders.
Participants acknowledged the urgency of building cyber awareness and pledged to support the First Responder Team in making villages safer and more resilient against digital threats.

This initiative marks a powerful beginning—one that can inspire similar community-led cybersecurity movements across Jharkhand and India.