MP CM Mohan Yadav to set up Cybersecurity Research Centre with MCTE Mhow
Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh is building a full-stack cyber defence architecture — a research centre co-developed with a military engineering college, 44 Cyber Commandos, and 3,000 student 'Cyber Warriors' — all converging on a Simhastha-2028 deadline. CM Mohan Yadav's framing of data protection as equivalent to border security signals a significant elevation of cybersecurity on the state's governance agenda.
Key Takeaways
CM Mohan Yadav announced a Cybersecurity Research Centre in partnership with MCTE, Mhow at a workshop in Bhopal on 15 June .
The centre will focus on research, innovation, and skill development, with advanced real-time threat detection systems.
Madhya Pradesh currently delivers more than 1,700 government services online, making data security a critical priority.
44 Cyber Commandos (6 active, 38 selected) will be deployed in the State Cyber Cell before Simhastha-2028 .
Around 3,000 engineering students and volunteers will be trained as 'Cyber Warriors' for the Simhastha congregation.
MP-CERT and a Security Operations Centre at the State Data Centre are already operational.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday, 15 June announced plans to establish a dedicated Cybersecurity Research Centre in partnership with the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow, and leading academic institutions, aiming to bolster the state's defences against rapidly evolving digital threats. The announcement came at a workshop on 'Strengthening the Cybersecurity Framework for State Data' held in Bhopal.
What the Chief Minister Said
Addressing the workshop, Yadav drew a sharp parallel between physical and digital sovereignty. 'Data has emerged as the most valuable asset in today's digital era, and ensuring its security has become imperative. Protecting data is as important as protecting the nation's borders,' he said.
He stressed that cyber threats are evolving at pace with modern technology, including the growing use of drones in security operations, creating fresh vulnerabilities that demand constant vigilance. 'There can be no room for negligence in cybersecurity. It is distressing when cybercriminals can wipe out a person's lifetime savings within moments. Comprehensive mechanisms are required to address such invisible threats,' Yadav added.
What the Research Centre Will Do
The proposed centre will concentrate on research, innovation, and skill development, and will be equipped with advanced monitoring systems capable of detecting cyberattacks in real time. It is intended to serve as the backbone of the state's cyber defence architecture as Madhya Pradesh scales its digital governance footprint — currently delivering more than 1,700 government services online.
Cyber Commandos and the Simhastha-2028 Mandate
Additional Director General of Police A. Sai Manohar disclosed that six Cyber Commandos are presently operational in the state, with 38 more already selected. All 44 Cyber Commandos are slated to be deployed within the State Cyber Cell ahead of Simhastha-2028. In addition, approximately 3,000 engineering students and young volunteers will be trained as 'Cyber Warriors' to monitor and counter cyberattacks during the Simhastha congregation — a mass religious gathering that draws millions of pilgrims.
Existing Infrastructure and MP-CERT
Principal Secretary, Science and Technology, M. Selvendran, noted that MP-CERT has already been established to monitor threats and ensure rapid incident response. Officials also highlighted the Security Operations Centre at the State Data Centre and the State Wide Area Network (SWAN) as ongoing pillars of the state's cybersecurity framework.
What Comes Next
The Cybersecurity Research Centre is expected to take shape in collaboration with MCTE Mhow and academic partners, though a formal timeline was not announced. With Simhastha-2028 serving as a hard deadline for deploying all 44 Cyber Commandos and activating the Cyber Warriors programme, the state's digital security build-up is set to accelerate over the next two years.
Point of View
But the real test lies in execution. Partnering with MCTE Mhow lends the initiative credibility — military-grade expertise is a genuine differentiator for a state-level cyber programme. However, anchoring the deployment timeline to Simhastha-2028 risks making a structural governance investment look like event management. The 3,000 Cyber Warriors figure is ambitious; training quality and post-event retention of those volunteers will determine whether this builds lasting capacity or is a one-cycle mobilisation. With over 1,700 services online and no public disclosure of past breach incidents, Madhya Pradesh also owes citizens greater transparency on the threat landscape it is now rushing to address.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cybersecurity Research Centre announced by MP CM Mohan Yadav?
It is a proposed state-level centre to be established in collaboration with the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow and leading academic institutions. The centre will focus on cybersecurity research, innovation, and skill development, and will be equipped with advanced systems to detect and respond to cyberattacks.
Why is Madhya Pradesh prioritising cybersecurity now?
The state currently delivers more than 1,700 government services online, making its digital infrastructure a growing target for cybercriminals. CM Yadav cited the rapid evolution of cyber threats and the risk to citizens' financial data as key drivers, framing data protection as equivalent in importance to national border security.
What are Cyber Commandos and how many will Madhya Pradesh have?
Cyber Commandos are specialised personnel deployed to detect and counter cyberattacks. Madhya Pradesh currently has 6 active Cyber Commandos, with 38 more already selected, bringing the total to 44. All 44 are to be deployed in the State Cyber Cell before Simhastha-2028.
What is the Cyber Warriors programme?
The Cyber Warriors initiative will train approximately 3,000 engineering students and young volunteers to monitor and prevent cyberattacks, specifically during the Simhastha-2028 congregation. It is designed to supplement the formal Cyber Commando force during the large-scale event.
What cybersecurity infrastructure does Madhya Pradesh already have?
The state has established MP-CERT for threat monitoring and rapid incident response, a Security Operations Centre at the State Data Centre, and the State Wide Area Network (SWAN). These form the existing foundation on which the new Cybersecurity Research Centre will build.
