Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security to be set up

PANAJI

The State government has allocated Rs 1,100 crore for Goa Police in the 2025-26 Budget, an increase from Rs 948.83 crore last year.  

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while presenting the Budget in the House on Wednesday, also announced plans to set up a Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security and strengthen the State Forensic Science Laboratory.  

Speaking about new initiatives, the CM stated that Goa Police has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Lab to enhance crime investigation, making it easier to track criminals and solve cases more efficiently. Further, a Radical Content Analyzer has been developed to counter online radicalization and extremist propaganda.

Besides, large-scale tenant verification drives have also been conducted to maintain law and order.  

He proposed to introduce a Goa Vehicle Authentication (GOVA) system to regulate vehicular movement, improve road safety and ensure compliance with traffic laws. “Through this system, once essential documents of the vehicles are verified digitally at the Check Post, a QR code shall be generated which when displayed on the vehicle shall not be subjected to repeated checks at multiple points preventing inconvenience to tourists and facilitating smooth travel,” he said.

The Budget includes several infrastructure projects for Goa Police such as Rs 45.62 crore for the construction of the new Police Headquarters in Panaji, Rs 52.18 crore for an annex building at the Coastal Security Police Station, Tiracol in Pernem; Rs 12.01 crore for a new building for Fatorda PS, Rs 15.97 crore for a new building for Maina Curtorim PS, Rs 10.68 crore for a new building for Sanguem PS, Rs 2.97 crore for a police outpost at Keri, Sattari; and Rs 1.72 crore for a new Coastal Security PS at Talpona among others.

The CM also proposed a new Police Station at Chandor and launch of a new QR-based System to travel hassle-free across the State.

For Fire & Emergency Services, the government has made a provision of Rs 129.21 crore. The department will receive modern firefighting equipment including water tenders, turntable ladders, and a Hazardous Material Response Vehicle to improve disaster response and reduce emergency response times. A fire station in Valpoi will be inaugurated soon, while stations in Electronic City (Tuem), Bicholim, and Vasco will be completed this year.