Amid the rising tide of digital scams and online financial fraud, the Gujarat government has announced a decisive move to safeguard citizens’ money and strengthen cybercrime response. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has directed the formation of a joint coordination committee involving senior officials from the Home Department, Gujarat Police and leading banks. The committee will work towards quick fund-freezing, recovery for victims, and time-bound action against fraudsters.
The decision was taken during the 187th meeting of the State-Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) held in Gandhinagar, where Sanghavi emphasized that seamless coordination between banks and law enforcement is essential to counter the growing menace of financial cybercrime.
Gujarat Among Leaders in Banking Expansion — 2.25 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts
Sharing key development indicators, Sanghavi said Gujarat continues to play a pivotal role in expanding India’s banking network, ensuring financial access even in remote regions.
State’s banking strength at a glance:
- 11,000 banking branches operational in Gujarat
- 56% of these located in rural areas
- Over 2.25 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened under financial inclusion schemes
“There was a time when banking served only the wealthy and urban population. Today, under the visionary Jan Dhan Yojana of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even the poorest citizen is accessing reliable banking services,” Sanghavi noted.
Jan Dhan accounts remain a critical tool for linking previously unbanked households to the formal financial ecosystem.
Cybercrime — “The Biggest Challenge of the Present Time”
Raising a strong concern over rising digital frauds, the Deputy CM said a unified action approach is now unavoidable.
“Banks and the government must work together to curb such crimes effectively.”
Citing a recent example, he said Gujarat Police, through the national cyber helpline 1930, successfully froze the entire defrauded amount in all cases reported on Monday, December 1 — thanks to swift support from banks.
He added that similar cooperation in every incident could block criminal gains at the source, acting as a deterrent to fraudsters.
Digital Arrest Scam: Bank Manager’s Alertness Saves Elderly Man’s Life Savings
Sanghavi also narrated a case from Ahmedabad where cyber criminals attempted to coerce a senior citizen into transferring ₹45 lakh after threatening him with a fabricated “digital arrest”.
Bank manager Jayesh Gandhi noticed the anxious behaviour of the customer and questioned the sudden liquidation of a fixed deposit. After interacting with him, Gandhi identified the fraud and halted the transfer in time.
The Deputy CM praised his vigilance, stating:
“If every bank employee works with this level of alertness and empathy, Gujarat can significantly reduce cybercrime vulnerability.”
Focus Also on Settlement of Unclaimed Deposits
The SLBC reviewed progress on the ongoing unclaimed deposits and asset settlement drive, ensuring rightful beneficiaries gain access to dormant funds.
Senior officials from the RBI, Ministry of Finance, Gujarat Finance Department, and heads of nationalized banks participated, collectively evaluating ways to strengthen cyber safety while maintaining momentum in financial inclusion.
Gujarat’s move marks a strategic push to reinforce digital trust and citizen financial security. The joint committee is expected to streamline:
- Fraud case monitoring
- Real-time bank–police coordination
- Efficient refund mechanisms for victims
Experts note that as cybercriminals adopt sophisticated techniques, rapid response systems, technological readiness, and public awareness will form the core of the state’s cyber defence.
