NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary Panel has expressed concern over the continuous reduction in allocation for Cyber Security.
Standing Committee on Information and Technology in its latest report has noted that cyber security was an upcoming area which require increased allocation to meet the shortage of manpower in the form of cyber security experts, upgradation of technology and training to enhance capacity, etc.
During the year 2014, the allocation at the BE stage was Rs 116 crore which was reduced to Rs 58 crore at the RE stage and Actual Expenditure was Rs 54.59 crore.
Similarly, during the year 2015-16, the allocation at BE stage was Rs 100 crore which was reduced to Rs 80 crore and Actual Expenditure was Rs 62.11 crore as on March 7.
For the year 2016-17, against the proposed sum of Rs 338.50 crore, an allocation of only Rs 70 crore has been made to Cyber Security.
The Department have informed that they had envisaged several initiatives and projected budget requirement for the 12th plan period. ”However, in line with the overall reduction for allocation to Department, the cyber security related activities have been scaled down to Rs 500 crore,” the Panel said.
The Committee desires that its concern may be conveyed to the Ministry of Finance for allocation of adequate funds for cyber security at the supplementary grant stage. (AGENCIES)
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