In News:

The Sanchar Mitra Scheme, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, is a nationwide volunteer-based initiative aimed at promoting digital literacy, telecom safety, and cybersecurity awareness among citizens.

Initially piloted in select institutions, the scheme has now been scaled up nationally due to its successful outreach and impact.

Key Highlights:

• Who are Sanchar Mitras?
  • Selected university student volunteers from streams such as telecom, electronics, computer science, and cybersecurity who act as digital ambassadors to spread awareness at the grassroots level.
• Core Objectives:
  • Promote digital safety and cyber hygiene
  • Raise awareness on cyber frauds, EMF radiation concerns, and responsible mobile usage
  • Bridge the communication gap between telecom services and citizens
• Training & Exposure: Sanchar Mitras receive specialized training from:
  • National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T)
  • DoT Media Wing: Training covers topics such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and telecom technologies.
• Community Engagement: Volunteers organize awareness campaigns, collaborate with NGOs, and engage in door-to-door outreach to promote informed digital behavior.
• Assessment & Incentives: Participants are evaluated on innovation, consistency, and outreach impact. Top performers receive:
  • Internship opportunities
  • Involvement in national telecom projects
  • Invitations to forums like the India Mobile Congress
  • Participation in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) events

Recent Developments:

• The first expanded rollout was initiated in Assam, where DoT partnered with 18 top engineering institutions including IIT, IIIT, and NIT.
• Chaired by senior DoT officials, sessions in BSNL Bhawan, Guwahati, introduced the scheme and invited collaboration from academic institutions.

Significance for India:

• Digital Inclusion: Empowers citizens to participate securely in the digital ecosystem.
• Youth Engagement: Mobilizes Yuva Shakti as a force for nation-building and technological awareness.
• Cybersecurity Shield: Acts as a grassroots defense against increasing cyber threats and misinformation.
• Alignment with National Priorities: Supports India’s vision of leadership in the 4 Ds – Democracy, Demography, Digitization, and Delivery.