Government Strengthens Cyber Security Capacity of Women Officials through CyberShakti Programme
Issued by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on 12th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The CyberShakti programme, initiated in October 2024, aims to enhance cyber security awareness and technical skills among women government officials. Following a 2026 Standing Committee recommendation to scale up the initiative, a second phase was recommended by a working group in May 2026. As of August 2026, 978 officials have completed training through virtual and residential modes, with the government now moving to expand the programme's reach.
Key Points / Main Content
Programme Objectives and Timeline
- Purpose: To strengthen the cyber security capacity and awareness of women officials in the public sector.
- Duration: Originally approved for a two-year period beginning in October 2024.
- Expansion: Recommended for scaling up based on the 2026 Standing Committee Report on the Empowerment of Women and a May 2026 working group recommendation.
Training Delivery and Participation
- Training Modes: Delivery includes a 2-week Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) online and a 1-week offline residential programme.
- Supplementary Outreach: 573 women participants attended webinars designed to sensitize them to cyber security importance.
- Target Audience: Women police officers, cyber cell personnel, and officials handling victims of cybercrimes.
Statistical Outcomes
- Total Trained: 978 women officials have been trained since the programme's inception in 2024.
- Regional Distribution: 694 officials were trained across 27 States, and 284 officials were trained across 8 Union Territories.
- Leading Regions: Delhi (249 officials) and Gujarat (81 officials) reported the highest number of trained personnel in their respective categories.
Impact Analysis
Women Government Officials Impact Participants gain specialized skills in cyber security, enabling them to better manage cybercell operations and support victims of cybercrimes. Action Required Eligible women officials in police and administrative roles should enroll in the VILT or residential training sessions as the programme scales up.
Ministry of Electronics & IT / Government of India Impact The Ministry is responsible for implementing the Standing Committee’s recommendations to empower women through technical capacity building. Action Required The Ministry must initiate the second phase of the project as recommended by the working group in May 2026.
State and Union Territory Administrations Impact Regional governments benefit from a more skilled workforce capable of addressing local cyber threats and assisting the public. Action Required Administrations must continue to identify and nominate women officials for training to ensure equitable distribution of cyber security expertise across all regions.