Sanchar Mitra Scheme: Youth for Digital Safety

Why in News ?

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development informed that 222 educational institutions are currently participating in the Sanchar Mitra Scheme, a youth-centric digital awareness initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Background & Context

India’s rapid digitalisation, expansion of mobile connectivity, and adoption of online services have been accompanied by a sharp rise in telecom frauds, cyber scams, misinformation, and unsafe digital practices. While regulatory and technological solutions are essential, the government has increasingly recognised the need for grassroots awareness and behavioural change.

Against this backdrop, the Sanchar Mitra Scheme was conceptualised as a people-centric and youth-driven outreach programme, leveraging students as trusted community messengers to promote safe and responsible use of telecom and digital services.

What is the Sanchar Mitra Scheme ?

• Nature: A youth-oriented outreach and awareness initiative
• Launched by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications
• Objective: To harness the energy, credibility, and reach of young students to spread awareness about digital safety, telecom fraud prevention, and responsible use of communication technologies

Under the scheme, selected student volunteers are designated as “Sanchar Mitras” (Friends of Communication).

Key Objectives of the Scheme

• Promote safe digital behaviour among citizens
• Raise awareness about telecom frauds, cyber threats, and mobile safety
• Disseminate information on government digital and telecom initiatives
• Build a bridge between policy, technology, and citizens through youth engagement

Who Can Become a Sanchar Mitra ?

• Students from technical and professional institutions offering courses in:
  • Telecom
  • Electronics
  • Computer Science
  • Cybersecurity
  • IT and allied disciplines
• Institutions must formally agree to participate in the scheme
• Selection and coordination are done through DoT’s field formations

Training and Capacity Building

• Sanchar Mitras receive structured training from:
  • Domain experts
  • National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T)
• Training modules include:
  • Cybersecurity and telecom fraud prevention
  • Emerging telecom technologies (5G, IoT, etc.)
  • Telecom policies, regulations, and consumer rights
  • Safe digital practices and responsible online behaviour

Roles and Responsibilities of Sanchar Mitras

• Conduct community outreach programmes in:
  • Schools and colleges
  • Villages and urban neighbourhoods
  • Public spaces and local events
• Educate citizens on:
  • Mobile safety and SIM-related frauds
  • Phishing, spoofing, and cyber scams
  • Secure use of digital and telecom services
• Act as local digital ambassadors, strengthening trust between citizens and institutions

Incentives and Opportunities for Sanchar Mitras

Top-performing Sanchar Mitras may receive, on a best-effort basis:

• Exposure to R&D projects and telecom start-ups
• Participation in policy formulation and standards-setting exercises
• Involvement in field surveys and DoT initiatives
• Opportunities to attend national conferences, workshops, and telecom events

Recognition and incentives are coordinated through DoT units using existing institutional resources and partnerships.

Implementation Mechanism

• Implemented across all States and Union Territories
• Coordinated through Licensed Service Area (LSA) field offices of the DoT
• Designed to be scalable, low-cost, and community-centric

Significance of the Scheme

• Strengthens digital literacy and cyber resilience at the grassroots
• Encourages youth participation in governance and public awareness
• Complements regulatory efforts against telecom fraud with behavioural change
• Supports India’s broader goals of Digital India, secure digital public infrastructure, and citizen empowerment