Gandhinagar, Dec 31 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat has established a core committee and a task force aimed at assessing cybersecurity readiness within the state's energy sector and formulating a strategic roadmap to address cyber threats.

With Gujarat's continuous power supply increasingly dependent on sophisticated technologies such as smart meters, smart grids, and SCADA systems, the likelihood of cyberattacks targeting energy infrastructure has significantly increased.

Recognizing this evolving challenge, the state’s Energy and Petrochemicals Department (EPD) has set up an 11-member core committee along with a 19-member task force to bolster cyber resilience throughout the sector.

These committees will evaluate current IT and cybersecurity measures for essential energy infrastructure, scrutinize cybersecurity policies, and assess readiness for managing cyber incidents.

Following this evaluation, they will suggest necessary enhancements and present a detailed roadmap for establishing a robust cybersecurity framework for the energy sector.

As part of this initiative, the state government will partner with academic institutions and industry experts, conduct cyber drills and specialized training sessions, and initiate cybersecurity awareness programs.

Collaboration with national and state-level agencies will also be reinforced to ensure a coordinated and effective response mechanism.

This decision underscores the Gujarat government's commitment to creating a strong and well-structured system to safeguard its energy infrastructure against cyber threats, thus ensuring uninterrupted power supply and long-term energy security for the state.

As one of India's most industrialized and technologically advanced states, Gujarat is facing escalating cybersecurity challenges across vital sectors including energy, ports, manufacturing, finance, and government services.

The swift adoption of digital infrastructure—including smart grids, SCADA systems, online public services, fintech platforms, and industrial automation—has heightened exposure to cyber risks such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, phishing, and potential disruptions of critical infrastructure.

State agencies, urban local bodies, and small to medium enterprises remain particularly at risk due to outdated systems, inconsistent cybersecurity awareness, and skill shortages.

Given that Gujarat also hosts key industrial corridors and strategic installations, cybersecurity has become a significant governance and security challenge, necessitating continuous monitoring, capacity building, inter-agency collaboration, and investment in resilient digital systems.