Why in the News?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched an expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme to engage engineering students as digital ambassadors for promoting telecom literacy, digital safety, and citizen engagement.

What is the Sanchar Mitra Scheme?

• Launching Body: An initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.
• Primary Aim: To engage student volunteers as “Sanchar Mitras” or digital ambassadors to spread awareness about telecom-related issues.
• Purpose:
  • Bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.
  • Promote safe and informed use of telecom services.
  • Encourage public participation in India’s digital transformation.
• Implementation Status:
  • Piloted in select institutions.
  • Now being scaled up for nationwide rollout.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Target Audience: It primarily targets students from engineering and technical backgrounds such as telecommunications, computer science, electronics, and cybersecurity.
• Selection of Volunteers: Students will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras in consultation with DoT field units and educational institutions.
• Training Modules: Volunteers will be trained to conduct grassroots campaigns on cyber fraud prevention, EMF radiation concerns, and responsible digital behavior.
• Training Institutions: Training will be delivered by the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and the Media Wing of the DoT.
• Core Pillars: The scheme is structured around three key pillars: Connect, Educate, and Innovate.
• Tech Awareness Promotion: Sanchar Mitras will promote awareness on emerging telecom technologies like 5G, 6G, AI, and cybersecurity.
• Community Outreach: Students will engage with communities, NGOs, and schools to foster a culture of informed digital citizenship.
• Strategic Alignment: It aligns with India’s strength in the “Four Ds”: Democracy, Demography, Digitisation, and Delivery.

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