In a landmark move to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and digital resilience across the Union Territory, the Department of Information Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, organized a two-day state-level workshop titled “CCMP Workshop and Cybersecurity Exercise”. The event was held on June 16 and 17, 2025, at the prestigious Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
The workshop brought together top-level administrators, IT heads, and cybersecurity professionals from across various departments of the J&K government to deliberate and train on managing cyber threats, enhancing digital defense strategies, and implementing the Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP). The primary objective of the workshop was to foster a culture of cyber awareness and proactive preparedness, especially among Administrative Secretaries, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Information Security Officers (ISOs), and departmental nodal officers.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Satish Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, who underscored the pressing need for fortified cybersecurity measures in the era of digital governance. In his address, he applauded the initiative as a strategic milestone toward ensuring uninterrupted and secure citizen service delivery across the UT.
Dr. Piyush Singla, IAS, Secretary to the Government, IT Department, welcomed the attendees by emphasizing that cybersecurity today is not merely a technical requirement but a foundation of responsible governance and public trust. He urged government departments to actively participate in building cyber-resilient systems and promote a cyber-aware workforce that is capable of anticipating and neutralizing emerging threats.
A keynote address was delivered by Shri Saurabh Bhagat, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, FCS&CA, who spoke extensively on the dynamic nature of cybersecurity challenges and the critical need for inter-departmental coordination. He encouraged officers to emerge as cyber warriors, not only by expanding their knowledge but also by initiating regular cybersecurity drills and participating in collaborative exercises.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions, technical presentations, and scenario-based exercises that allowed for a deeper understanding of cyber threat landscapes, crisis response strategies, and institutional preparedness. Sessions were curated to blend strategic insights with operational best practices and real-time threat management tactics.
The workshop concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony, where Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, delivered a compelling closing address. He emphasized a paradigm shift from reactive security measures to a proactive approach that focuses on resilience, rapid recovery, and continuity of essential operations even during cyber crises. Dr. Bahl also reiterated the importance of adopting the Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP), conducting regular training programs, and actively participating in CERT-In’s national cybersecurity initiatives.
Dr. Piyush Singla, IAS, offered final remarks, reiterating the department’s commitment to elevating J&K’s digital security landscape. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Mahima Madan, IAS, CEO of JaKeGA, who appreciated the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in making the event a success.
This capacity-building endeavor aligns seamlessly with the Digital India mission, addressing urgent concerns around cyber threats and the need for robust, secure digital governance. By fostering inter-departmental coordination and empowering IT personnel, the workshop marked a significant step forward in securing digital public infrastructure and reinforcing citizen trust in government systems.
