NIC Kishtwar organizes Awareness Workshop on Safer Internet Day
NIC Kishtwar Hosts District-Wide Workshop on ‘Safer Internet Day’; DC Pankaj Kumar Sharma Graces Event as Chief Guest
KISHTWAR, J&K — In a major push toward digital literacy and cyber security, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Kishtwar successfully organized a district-wide awareness workshop to celebrate Safer Internet Day 2026. The event, held at the Mini Secretariat, featured Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to a secure digital environment.
Mass Awareness Drive for a Secure Digital Kishtwar
The primary agenda of the workshop was mass awareness, targeting the evolving challenges of the digital world. The District Informatics Officer (DIO) NIC delivered a comprehensive technical presentation, providing actionable insights into cyber hygiene, data protection, and the prevention of online financial fraud.
Administrative Synergy: ACR, ASP, and District Officers Attend
The workshop showcased a unified administrative approach to cyber safety. Key attendees included:
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Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Kishtwar
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Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kishtwar
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Several District Officers and departmental officials.
The presence of the ASP highlighted the critical link between technical awareness and law enforcement in tackling cybercrimes within the district.
Virtual Outreach to SDMs, Tehsildars, and Educational Hubs
To ensure the message of digital safety reached every corner of the district, the workshop utilized a hybrid model. All Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Tehsildars joined the session virtually.
Furthermore, students and faculty from premier technical institutions, including Government ITI Kishtwar and Government Polytechnic College Kishtwar, participated via video conferencing, ensuring the district’s youth are equipped with the tools to navigate the internet safely.
DC Kishtwar’s Vision for Cyber Hygiene
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Pankaj Kumar Sharma lauded NIC Kishtwar for the initiative. He remarked:
“In an era of rapid digitalization, internet safety is not just a personal responsibility but a collective civic duty. Our goal is to ensure that every citizen, from the student at Polytechnic to the officer in the Tehsil, is empowered with the knowledge to fight cyber threats effectively.”
The workshop concluded with a call to action for all departmental heads to integrate cyber safety protocols into their daily administrative functions.
Key Takeaways for Public Safety
The DC highlighted several critical areas where citizens often fall prey to digital predators:
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Combatting Cyber Fraud: Awareness is the best defense against phishing, malware, and financial scams.
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The “No-Share” Rule: A strict appeal was made to never share OTPs, click on suspicious links, or disclose personal data to unverified sources.
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Device Security: In the event of a lost or stolen mobile device, citizens were urged to block it immediately through authorized government platforms to prevent data misuse.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Children and Seniors
A major focus of the seminar was the protection of high-risk groups. The Deputy Commissioner expressed concern over digital addiction among children and the susceptibility of senior citizens to online financial fraud. He urged families to foster a culture of “repeated sensitization” to ensure safe digital habits across generations.
Leveraging Government Tools: Sanchar Saathi
The program also promoted the Sanchar Saathi Portal, a Government of India initiative. This tool allows citizens to:
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Verify mobile numbers linked to their Aadhaar.
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Report unauthorized connections.
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Prevent identity theft and fraudulent activities.
Expert Insights and Reporting
District Informatics Officer (DIO) Kishtwar, Sh. Faizal Khan, provided a technical deep-dive into cyber hygiene practices. He emphasized that being proactive is key to safe digital behavior.
Immediate Resources for Victims:
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National Cybercrime Helpline: Dial 1930
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Online Reporting: Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in
Attendees and Stakeholders
The event saw a high-profile turnout, including:
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KDA & Police: CEO KDA Sh. Kaiser Bhawani and ASP Sh. Pardeep Singh.
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District Administration: ACR Idrees Lone, ACD Manoj Kumar, and AD FCS&CA Shafqat Ali Keen.
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Departmental Heads: Representatives from Forest (DFO), Education (Principal DIET), Labor (ALC), Power (JPDCL), and Public Works (PWD/PMGSY) departments.
The collective presence of these officials underscores the district’s commitment to a safer, more informed digital Kishtwar.
#SaferInternetDay2026 #NICKishtwar #DigitalIndia #CyberSecurity
