Ashwini Vaishnaw's Plan to Tackle Cyber Crimes, Find Out How?

In response to the rising challenges posed by deepfakes, artificial intelligence, and cyber-enabled crimes, Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized the need for a robust techno-legal framework. He asserted that the future of effective criminal justice hinges on a combination of legal frameworks, technological capabilities, and institutional innovation.

Speaking at the 21st D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture on the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) 62nd Foundation Day, the Minister outlined a strategic vision for the agency’s role in India’s development over the next two decades. Addressing the theme ‘VIKSIT BHARAT @ 2047 - A Roadmap for CBI,’ Vaishnaw stressed the necessity of prompt investigations and efficient prosecution mechanisms to combat new-age crimes.

During the event, the Minister also presided over the presentation of the President’s Police Medals (PPM) for Distinguished Service and Police Medals (PM) for Meritorious Service to CBI officers, recognizing their dedication and exceptional contributions.

Call for Technological Collaboration in Law Enforcement

Vaishnaw underscored the pivotal role of CBI in upholding justice through professional investigations. Highlighting India’s vast academic and scientific potential, he urged investigative agencies, legal professionals, and government departments to collaborate with researchers and technology experts to develop cutting-edge solutions for crime prevention and detection.

“The law alone is not sufficient; we need a techno-legal approach to tackle new-age crimes,” the Minister asserted. He called upon the CBI to spearhead the establishment of state-of-the-art cyber forensic laboratories in partnership with academic and research institutions. He also emphasized the importance of institutional frameworks to facilitate collaboration between investigative agencies and ministries such as the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

India’s Growth Strategy: Four Pillars of Development

Reflecting on India’s progress over the past decade, Vaishnaw outlined the four key pillars of the nation’s growth strategy:

1. Public Investment in Infrastructure: Significant investments in social, physical, and digital infrastructure have driven India’s development. Notable advancements include the expansion of national highways, airports, and railway electrification. The Minister highlighted India’s democratization of technology, with over 118 crore telecom subscribers, 70 crore smartphone users, and a thriving AI ecosystem. Additionally, the country has strengthened its education sector by establishing 490 new universities and increasing the capacity of IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS.

2. Inclusive Growth Initiatives: Economic progress has been accompanied by social empowerment. Over the past decade, 54 crore new bank accounts have been opened, 4 crore houses built, and 12 crore households connected to tap water. Programs such as Ayushman Bharat have benefited 35 crore citizens, while more than 25 crore people have risen out of poverty, ensuring greater access to essential services.

3. Focus on Manufacturing and Innovation: India has transitioned from a service-based economy to a global manufacturing hub. Initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’ have accelerated growth, with electronics emerging as the country’s third-largest export sector. India is now the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with substantial advancements in semiconductor production, defense, telecom, and the introduction of high-speed Vande Bharat trains.

4. Simplification of Legal and Compliance Structures: The government has eliminated over 1,500 outdated colonial-era laws and introduced modern legal frameworks such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). This legal transformation aims to create a more efficient and transparent justice system.

CBI’s Legacy and Contribution to Law Enforcement

CBI Director Praveen Sood welcomed dignitaries at the event, which was attended by the Attorney General of India, the Central Vigilance Commissioner, heads of intelligence and enforcement agencies, and representatives from international law enforcement bodies.

The D.P. Kohli Memorial Lecture, named after CBI’s founder-director Dharamnath Prasad Kohli, has been an annual tradition since 2000. The event honors Kohli’s vision and legacy in establishing the CBI as a premier investigative and prosecuting agency dedicated to upholding integrity, impartiality, and excellence.

Established on April 1, 1963, the CBI has evolved into a leading investigative body, tackling crimes such as corruption, financial fraud, cybercrimes, and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). As India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, it also plays a key role in facilitating international cooperation in law enforcement.

Vaishnaw’s address reinforced the government’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to strengthen India’s legal and investigative frameworks. As the nation moves towards its vision for 2047, a collaborative approach between institutions, technology experts, and law enforcement will be crucial in safeguarding justice and national security.