Q.1 Provide a comprehensive definition of cybercrime. Identify and describe the distinct categories of cybercrime that compromise the security of individuals within the state.

Ans: Cybercrime refers to criminal activities that involve the use of computer networks, digital devices, and the internet to commit unlawful acts.

• These crimes target computer systems, networks, and individuals, often causing financial loss, data breaches, privacy invasion, and disruption of services.

Status of the Cyber Crimes in Himachal Pradesh

• Rising Cyber Threats – Cyberspace emerges as a prominent arena for criminal activities, with Himachal Pradesh recording approximately 18,000 cybercrime complaints in the past five years (2017–2021).
• Monthly Cyber Complaints – The state consistently registers an average of 5,000 monthly cybercrime complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
• March 2023 Cybercrime Snapshot – In March 2023, the cyber police received 2,700 complaints, including:
  • 1,135 financial fraud complaints
  • 293 social media-related complaints
  • 799 inquiries
  • 473 other complaints
    This reflects the diversity of cybercrimes facing the state.

Different Categories of Cybercrime that Jeopardize the Security of the People of the State

1. Cryptocurrency Scam

• Fraudsters lure unsuspecting investors with the promise of high returns within a short frame, employing a Ponzi-style scheme.
• Example – Cryptocurrency scams worth:
  • Rs 200 crore in Hamirpur
  • Rs 100 crore in Una
  • Rs 200–250 crore in Kangra district

2. Malware Attacks

• Malware (malicious software) is developed by cybercriminals to steal data and damage or destroy computers and systems.
• Types include viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, etc.
• Example – On June 18, 2023, the police registered the first ransomware attack case in the state, where hackers demanded money to decrypt files.

3. Hacking

• Unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices to gather information, disrupt operations, or manipulate data.
• Example – Personal details (phone numbers, bank accounts, Aadhaar numbers) of more than 20 lakh HPSEBL customers leaked online.

4. Identity Theft

• Using another person’s personal identifying information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
• Example – Aadhaar cards of Nepalese people and migrant labourers misused in 5–10% of cyber fraud cases in the past two years in Himachal Pradesh.

5. Financial Frauds

• The most common cybercrimes in the state.
• Cybercrime hubs in UP and Bihar target residents with scams like debit/credit card reactivation, online bookings, lottery wins, insurance revival, etc.
• Example – Cybercrime cell refunded Rs 75,36,789 to victims and put on hold Rs 1,53,76,785 during this period.

6. Cyberbullying or Cyber Stalking

• Harassment, threats, or intimidation conducted online, often via social media.
• Example – Miscreants persuaded women to share intimate photos, later using them for blackmail or harassment.

7. Online Extortion

• Threatening to release sensitive data unless ransom is paid.
• Example – In the first two months of the year, 55 honey trap complaints were received; 95% victims were men aged 45–75, and 80% paid the ransom.

Way Forward

1. Strengthening Cybercrime Reporting and Investigation

• Increase awareness about the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
• Simplify reporting for victims.
• Provide specialized training for investigators.

2. Public Awareness and Education

• Conduct awareness campaigns on common cybercrimes, prevention, and reporting.

3. Collaboration and Partnerships

• Partner with tech companies and cybersecurity firms to track emerging threats.
• Work with banks and financial institutions to prevent fraud schemes.

4. Technological Solutions

• Use AI-driven threat detection and data encryption tools.
• Improve network security for critical services.

5. Support for Victims

• Create victim support services, including counselling and legal help.
• Speed up complaint resolution and recovery of lost funds.

Through these comprehensive and dynamic measures, Himachal Pradesh aims to build a resilient cybersecurity framework that protects its residents, deters cybercriminal activities, and ensures a safer digital environment for all.

Q. 2 Critically analyze the socioeconomic development policies for Scheduled Castes in Himachal Pradesh. How have these policies contributed to their upliftment?

Answer:

The SC population constitutes 25.19% of the total population as per the 2011 census.

• Himachal Pradesh holds the second rank among all states and union territories in terms of the proportion of its SC (Scheduled Caste) population to the total population.
• The SC population is primarily rural, with about 93% residing in villages. However, certain districts, such as Sirmaur and Lahul & Spiti, have the lowest proportion of SC population.
• The government of Himachal Pradesh has taken various initiatives for the upliftment and welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), to ensure their social, economic, and educational development.

Some of these initiatives include:

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 15(4) – Refers to the special provisions for their advancement.
• Article 16(4A) – Speaks of reservation in matters of promotion to any class or classes of posts in the services under the State in favour of SCs/STs, which are not adequately represented in the services under the State.
• Article 17 – Abolishes Untouchability.
• Article 338 – Provides for the establishment of a National Commission for Scheduled Castes to ensure the overall development of the scheduled castes.
• Article 332 – Provides reservations for seats in the state legislative assembly for SCs.
• Part 9 and 9A – Provide for the reservation of seats for SCs in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.

Schemes and Acts

• Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention Of Atrocities) Act 1989
  • Prohibits various offences, including atrocities committed against these communities.
  • Defines offences and specifies penalties for those found guilty of committing atrocities.
  • Outlines procedures for the investigation, trial, and prosecution of such offences.
• H.P. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation
  • Established on 14th November 1979 with offices in every district headquarters.
• Him Swablamban Yojna
  • Assists SC families whose income is below the poverty line.
  • Loans provided for transport vehicles, agriculture implements, dairy farming, dhabas, guest houses, small-scale industries, etc.
• Dalit Varg Vaivsaik Prashikshan Yojna (Skill Development Program)
  • Provides training to unemployed SC youth in employment-oriented trades.
  • Stipend of Rs 500 to Rs 750 per month during training; cost of training borne by the corporation.
• Ambedkar Laghu Rin Yojna (Micro Credit Finance Scheme)
  • Assistance up to Rs 50,000/- to meet small financial needs for petty businesses, in collaboration with NSFDC.
• Hast Shilp Vikas Yojna
  • Provides working capital assistance to artisans (individual or group).
  • Rs 15,000/- per artisan interest-free for 2 years; group may charge 2% interest for admin expenses.
• Study Loan Scheme
  • Loans for professional/technical courses approved by NSFDC and NSTFDC.
  • Up to Rs 10 lakh at 4% interest for SC students below the income threshold.
• Post Matric Scholarship to SC/ST/OBC Students
  • SC/ST students with parental income up to Rs 2,50,000 and OBC students with income up to Rs 1,50,000 qualify.
• Training and Proficiency in Computer
  • Computer skill training for SC, ST, OBC, minorities, specially-abled, single women, widows (annual income less than Rs 2 lakh).
  • Monthly stipend of Rs 1,350; Rs 1,500 for specially-abled.

Benefits to Scheduled Castes from These Schemes and Initiatives

• Legal and Social Protection
  • Legal recourse and penalties for offences against SCs, deterring caste-based violence and protecting rights.
• Economic Support
  • Loans for vehicles, agriculture tools, dairy farming, small industries.
  • Micro-financing for small businesses, boosting self-employment and financial independence.
• Educational Opportunities
  • Low-interest loans for higher education, enabling better career prospects.
• Skill Development
  • Training programs with stipends, increasing employability.
  • Computer skill training improves digital literacy and modern job readiness.
• Political Representation
  • Reserved seats in assemblies, PRIs, and ULBs ensure participation in governance and decision-making.

Challenges Persisting in the State

• Persisting Atrocities Against SC Population
  • Incidents like the murder of RTI activist Kedar Singh Jindan and the fatal beating of a Dalit youth in Nerwa highlight continuing violence.
• Ongoing Caste System in Society
  • Segregation of Dalit students in Kullu during PM’s Pariksha Par Charcha, and discrimination in public celebrations.
  • Purity and pollution notions still persist.
• Caste-Based Political Strategies
  • Decisions of SC representatives influenced by non-Dalits; difficulties contesting unreserved seats.
• Unequal Distribution of Benefits
  • Only a small portion of SCs benefit from schemes; many remain excluded.
• Lack of Awareness in Rural Areas
  • Many rural residents unaware of benefits, hindering policy impact.

Way Forward

• Enhance Awareness and Outreach
  • Campaigns in rural areas to spread scheme information.
• Strengthen Law Enforcement
  • Strict enforcement of the Atrocities Act.
  • Sensitivity training for police and judiciary.
• Promote Educational Opportunities
  • Expand scholarships and vocational support for SC students.
• Generate Local Employment
  • Skill development linked to local industry demand.
• Political and Social Inclusion
  • Initiatives to dismantle caste discrimination in schools, workplaces, and communities.
• Regular Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Track scheme performance and make adjustments based on beneficiary feedback.
• Transforming Societal Attitudes
  • Grassroots programs to change perceptions about caste hierarchies.
• Encouraging Equitable Distribution of Benefits
  • Incentivize economically advanced SC individuals to renounce reservation benefits for redistribution to the most disadvantaged.

By implementing these measures, Himachal Pradesh can strive towards a more inclusive and equitable society where the Scheduled Castes can fully benefit from the initiatives designed for their welfare.

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