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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) newly established Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, highlighting the growing importance of cybersecurity skills and modern infrastructure in India’s banking sector.
Addressing the occasion, Modi said the previous decade focused on extending banking services to people who lacked access, while the coming decade would focus on making banking more efficient and reliable. He highlighted the role of the new data centre and its computing systems in supporting this transition.
The Prime Minister also stressed that modern warfare extends beyond weapons, with cyber threats increasingly targeting national economies. He said outdated training systems must be replaced with modern infrastructure and skilled professionals, underlining the importance of specialised cybersecurity training.
Cybersecurity Training Gains Importance Amid Digital Banking Growth
Modi said India’s expanding digital banking ecosystem requires stronger protection against cyber threats. He emphasised the need to develop skilled professionals who can safeguard financial systems as technology becomes increasingly central to banking operations.
The new institute is expected to support cybersecurity training and strengthen capabilities in an area that has become increasingly important for financial institutions. Its establishment also highlights the growing need for specialised technical knowledge and practical training to address emerging digital risks.
“Nowadays, wars are not fought with weapons alone. A nation can also be weakened by attacking its economy. And as India grows economically stronger, we must protect our banking system from cyber looters and cyber terrorists,” Modi said.
Financial Inclusion Expands Through Banking and Government Schemes
Highlighting India’s progress in financial inclusion, Modi said that more than half of the population remained outside the banking system until 2014. He cited the opening of nearly 60 crore Jan Dhan accounts as a significant step towards bringing more people into the formal banking network.
He also highlighted the role of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which has supported around 13 crore first-time entrepreneurs, along with formal credit access for street vendors and artisans through PM SVANidhi and PM Vishwakarma. These initiatives aim to expand access to financial services and support entrepreneurship.
Modi further noted that bank assistance has reached self-help groups representing 10 crore rural women. He added that government payments are now transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts in full, highlighting the role of digital financial infrastructure in improving the delivery of public services.
Social Security Schemes Strengthen Financial Protection
The Prime Minister highlighted the role of social security schemes in extending financial protection to citizens. He said the Atal Pension Yojana covers around 9 crore people across the country, including 38 lakh beneficiaries in Odisha.
He also referred to the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, which provides ₹2 lakh in accident insurance coverage at an annual premium of ₹20 and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, which offers life insurance coverage for an annual premium of less than ₹450.
According to Modi, more than ₹25,000 crore has been disbursed through claims under these schemes. He highlighted these initiatives as part of the broader effort to improve financial security and expand access to essential financial services.
Odisha Develops Capabilities in Advanced Technology and Computing
Modi also highlighted Odisha’s evolving industrial landscape, noting that the state is combining its mineral-based industries with emerging sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, data centres and advanced computing.
The development reflects the growing importance of technology infrastructure in supporting India's digital economy. As these sectors expand, the demand for professionals with specialised knowledge in computing, cybersecurity and related technical fields is also likely to increase.
The inauguration of the RBI’s Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute highlights the importance of combining digital infrastructure with specialised training. As India’s banking ecosystem becomes increasingly technology-driven, cybersecurity expertise and workforce development will remain important for strengthening the resilience of financial systems.
This article was originally
published by the 
