Yogi stresses linking emerging technologies with public welfare and justice

Lucknow, Oct 24 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday emphasised the need to connect emerging technologies with public welfare, justice and a brighter future for the youth, calling for greater focus on modern technology, scientific research and skilled human resources in cybersecurity and forensic science.

In a post on social media platform X, Adityanath said he would participate in 'TechSangam 2026', being organised at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Science (UPSIFS) in Lucknow.

The event focuses on emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber forensics, quantum technology and data protection. It aims to explore how technological innovations can strengthen citizen safety, improve the justice delivery system and enhance digital trust, he said.

Describing the event as a reflection of the changing work culture in Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister said that before 2017, the state, despite having the country's largest population, had only two cyber police stations and four forensic laboratories.

Due to inadequate use of scientific and technological resources and a lack of scientific evidence, criminals often escaped legal consequences, while the conviction rate remained below 30 per cent, he said.

After 2017, the state government took steps to address these shortcomings. Today, all 75 districts have cyber police stations, while efforts are underway to establish forensic laboratories in every division, Adityanath said.

He added that the expansion of technological infrastructure and scientific investigation capabilities had strengthened the state's capacity to tackle emerging challenges, particularly cybercrime, and bring offenders to justice. The conviction rate had also increased, he noted.

Adityanath said emerging sectors such as forensic science and cybersecurity were creating opportunities for quality education, research and employment for the state's youth. Technology was not only improving the delivery of justice but also opening up new career avenues for young people, he added.

The event is expected to bring together scientists, technical experts, policymakers, legal professionals and industry representatives from India and abroad on a common platform.

Discussions on cybersecurity, the reliability of digital evidence and the responsible use of emerging technologies are expected to promote collaboration among research institutions, educational establishments and industry, he said.

Such partnerships would strengthen India's self-reliance in emerging technologies and help make citizens' lives safer and more convenient, while contributing to the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' through the strength of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', the Chief Minister added.