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In the heart of India, Chandigarh stands as a unique Union Territory with its complex governance structure and inter-state sensitivities, posing challenges that require a fresh approach. This week, Sagar Preet Hooda's appointment as the new DGP of Chandigarh Police could provide a much-needed fresh start and leadership clarity for the city.
Meanwhile, national security concerns are at an all-time high due to a scandal involving public officials compromised by cyber threats. With more than 70 board-level openings across 12 public sector lenders, there's a pressing need for improved digital literacy and internal security measures among public officials.
India has been actively advancing digital literacy programs to empower citizens and public officials with the knowledge required to navigate digital platforms securely. Initiatives under the Digital India program emphasize digital literacy campaigns and workplace cybersecurity training, reaching approximately 73% of Indian organizations. Enhancing digital literacy among public officials reduces vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals, particularly as India’s digital ecosystem grows with expanded digital payments and e-governance services.
Agencies such as CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) play a crucial role by issuing alerts, coordinating crisis responses, and advocating best cybersecurity practices. CERT-In’s recent whitepaper on transitioning to quantum-secure cryptography highlights the strategic need for technology audits, vulnerability assessments, and capacity building through research and quantum literacy initiatives targeted at public sector entities.
The government also encourages internal security measures such as establishing specialised cybercrime cells staffed with trained law enforcement personnel to enable rapid response to incidents. Improved enforcement combined with ongoing education initiatives like the Cyber Jaagrukta Abhiyan campaign raises awareness of cyber fraud risks, addressing the gap where fraudsters exploit officials' or citizens' digital ignorance.
Additional dimensions include enforcing digital sovereignty laws that require critical data—especially financial and public service data—to be stored domestically with strict compliance measures. This reduces dependency on external foreign infrastructure and enhances control over sensitive data relevant to national security.
In Chandigarh, the city has a new full-time DGP. Sagar Preet Hooda, a 1997-batch IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, is a native of Chandigarh and brings a unique blend of academic background and field experience to his new role. The hope is that his appointment will lead to better institutional morale, sharper policing, and more responsive leadership in Chandigarh.
The appointment comes at a time of turbulence in the force, including an SIT probe into an alleged assault involving Punjab Police personnel. A recent scandal involving at least 72 public figures, including IAS and IPS officers, ministers, being trapped in hotel rooms with hidden cameras has further complicated the situation. The hotels where the incidents occurred were well-furnished with surveillance, leading to blackmail, attempted suicide, and hushed panic.
Despite the challenges, Sagar Preet Hooda's appointment is significant and offers a glimmer of hope for a cleaner, more efficient, and secure Chandigarh Police force. His academic background, including a PhD in sociology from Panjab University and fellowships at Harvard, Duke, and LSE, will undoubtedly contribute to his effectiveness in leading the force towards a brighter future.
- Given the ongoing controversies in Chandigarh's police force, including the SIT probe and the recent scandal involving public officials, the appointment of a new DGP, Sagar Preet Hooda, could mark a shift towards politics focused on general-news issues and crime-and-justice reform.
- As cyber threats pose a significant national security concern, and there's a pressing need for improved digital literacy and internal security measures among public officials, Sagar Preet Hooda's academic background and expertise in sociology could provide valuable insights in navigating these challenges.
