Misuse of taxpayer money
Maharashtra’s IT Minister Ashish Shelar is off to Barcelona for a global cybersecurity and digital innovation summit, but he doesn’t even have an official government email ID. The irony is brutal. How can a minister represent digital transformation when he hasn’t completed Digital Basics? It’s an expensive PR holiday dressed up as governance. When ministers lacking digital credentials fly across the globe to ‘showcase innovation’, it exposes the hollowness of our tech policies. Maharashtra deserves tech leaders, not tourists in suits. Cybersecurity can’t be championed by someone who hasn’t secured their own inbox. more
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The Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress, held from May 13–15, 2025, served as a significant platform for global discussions on cybersecurity and digital innovation. The summit convened industry leaders, technical experts, and policymakers to address emerging cybersecurity challenges and explore advancements in digital security. Ideally, such summits should be structured to ensure accessibility for all participants, with costs limited to travel and accommodation expenses. This approach fosters inclusivity and encourages broader engagement from professionals and innovators worldwide. Reports indicate that Maharashtra’s Information Technology Minister attended the summit, incurring an expenditure of ₹70 lakh. This amount has raised concerns regarding the prudent utilization of public funds, particularly in light of taxpayers' contributions. The expenditure has sparked discussions on the necessity of financial accountability and the justification of such costs in relation to the tangible benefits derived from the summit. more
May 12
There is no qualification and experience needed to become a Politician and Minister. You have elected him so why complain. more
May 12
On a lighter note - What do you need to secure in the cyber world if you don't have an email ID, user name or passwords? Aren't you the most secure? Yes, people having knowledge of the subject should attend such events. This may not be the forum for learning basics. How does one bell the cat from having a summer break? more
May 12
