In News:

The Sanchar Mitra Scheme, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, seeks to harness India’s youth (Yuva Shakti) as volunteers for digital empowerment and telecom-related public awareness. Under the scheme, students from participating technical institutions serve as “Sanchar Mitras” and conduct awareness activities in communities, educational institutions and public spaces.

Key Features

• Objective: Promote safe and responsible use of digital and telecom services and strengthen citizen awareness.
• Sanchar Mitras: Student volunteers who undertake outreach on:
  • Mobile and telecom security
  • Prevention of telecom frauds
  • Citizen-centric telecom services
  • Responsible use of telecom services
  • Government digital initiatives
• Eligible institutions: Technical institutes having programmes in telecommunications, electronics, computer science, cybersecurity or related fields and formally participating in the scheme.
• Training: Sanchar Mitras receive training from experts and the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) on areas such as:
  • Cybersecurity
  • Emerging telecom technologies
  • Telecom policies and regulations
  • Digital safety and related issues

Opportunities for Outstanding Sanchar Mitras

Top-performing volunteers may, on a best-effort basis, receive exposure to:

• Research & Development (R&D) projects and telecom start-ups
• Policy and standards-related work
• Field surveys and DoT initiatives
• National conferences and other professional events
• Opportunities to engage with international digital and telecom platforms

Nationwide Implementation

• The scheme is implemented across all States and Union Territories.
• Implementation is facilitated through the Licensed Service Area (LSA) field offices of DoT.
• More than 200 technical institutions are currently participating.

International Linkage: ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys

In August 2026, three Indian Sanchar Mitras were selected for the third cohort of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Generation Connect Youth Envoys (GCYE) for 2026–2030.

The selected Indian youth are:

• Ankit Kumar Pal — Delhi
• Manish Kumar Mandal — Bengaluru
• Susmita Sain — Guwahati

The Generation Connect Youth Envoys programme provides young people with opportunities to participate in national, regional and global discussions concerning Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), digital transformation and inclusive digital development.

The selection of Indian Sanchar Mitras demonstrates the scheme's potential to connect grassroots digital awareness with global technology and connectivity platforms.

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.