Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurates National Conference on Digital Crime and Forensic Science

Shimla : Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurated the opening session of two days National Conference on Emerging Trends in Digital Crime and Forensic organized by Department of Forensic Science, Himachal Pradesh University Shimla in association with Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Northern Range, Dharamshala at HP University Shimla, today.
On the occasion, the Governor said that technology was influencing the world today and we were no exception to it. But, in the last few decades, we have made good efforts in this direction and achieved various milestones, he added. Emphasizing on various aspects of technology, he said that in what form we were using science and technology and how much has to be done, there was a need to consider.
He said that in the present context, cyber crime was not limited to physical crime but digital crime has become a part of life. It was possible anytime and it has become the source of all crimes so we need to be more vigilant, he cautioned.
He said that today technology was accessible to everyone and it was going to impact all of us.
“We should have it but not to be its victim”, he said. He also stressed the need for a large national level laboratory for cyber crime investigation in Himachal Pradesh. He said that the State has a long border area and we could use this technique in these areas also.
It could be used in Vibrant Villages in these areas to keep an eye on cross border activities, he added. He said that in this way we could use knowledge and technology in this direction.Shri Arlekar said that suggestions and research papers presented in this two-day national conference should be compiled and sent to the Government of India so that the hard work of budding scientists and researchers could be utilised in this direction.
Earlier, the Governor also released various magazines related to forensics science. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between HP University Shimla and M/S Nextechno Gen Private Limited New Delhi in the presence of the Governor.
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to provide a framework for the proposed collaboration for building a new generation of high skilled human resource; providing entirely new opportunities for employment and economic development; and helping to establish Himachal Pradesh University, NTGPL and the State as a global leader in these emerging technologies with main focus on technology, especially in digital forensics and cyber investigation. The exchange of experience and scientific/technical knowledge between the two institutions would be a great interest for their mutual progress and also for the service of society.
Scientist & Director STQC Directorate, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of India V. K. Trivedi said that today was the age of digital world and without it we could not think about our survival. Keeping this in mind, India has committed to digital progress and it has come up with various initiatives for digital India, he added. He also detailed various aspects of forensic science.
Professor, Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, USA Dr. Latesh Kumar also spoke on the occasion.Pro Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla Prof. Jyoti Prakash Sharma said that the University has adjudged ‘A’ grade by the NAAC team.
He said that various initiatives were being taken for quality education in the University. He added that a number of seminars and conferences of Nation and International level have been organized from time to time which helped and updated the knowledge of researchers and scholars. He said that our tradition of research was very ancient and needs to be taken forward.
But, research should be for human welfare, he added.Professor and Chairperson, Department of Forensic Sciences and Dean- Planning and Teachers Matters, Himachal Pradesh University Prof. Arvind Kumar Bhatt welcomed the Governor on the occasion and said that the department of forensic science has been set up in 2021 and concerted efforts were being made to improve the standard of learning in forensic science.
Co-Convener of the Conference Dr. Meenakshi Mahajan proposed a vote of thanks.Director, Law Academy Himachal Pradesh, Rajeev Bali Dean of Studies, HP University, Prof. Kulbhushan Chandel Officers from various departments, Experts and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.