The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has expanded the Sanchar Mitra Scheme into a nationwide initiative in 2025. The scheme engages student volunteers as digital ambassadors to promote telecom awareness and digital literacy across India. It aims to bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem while encouraging responsible and secure telecom usage. The Assam LSA office recently held an interactive session with premier engineering institutions in Guwahati to further this initiative.
Background and Recent Developments
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme was initially piloted in select institutions and has now been scaled up following positive responses. Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia officially launched the revamped scheme, describing it as a vision reflecting India’s leadership in Democracy, Demography, Digitization, and Delivery. The scheme mobilises student volunteers, called Sanchar Mitras, to act as informed ambassadors on telecom issues and digital empowerment.
Objectives and Pillars of the Scheme
The scheme rests on three pillars – CONNECT, EDUCATE, and INNOVATE. It aims to connect citizens with telecom services, educate the public on digital safety and cyber fraud prevention, and innovate through youth participation in cutting-edge telecom technologies. Public awareness is seen as crucial for inclusive and responsible telecom usage in India’s accelerating digital landscape.
Role of Student Volunteers
Sanchar Mitras are selected from engineering and technology institutions with relevant academic backgrounds such as telecom, electronics, computer science, and cyber security. These volunteers undergo training by experts and the National Communications Academy–Technology. They conduct grassroots awareness drives, engage with communities and NGOs, and promote responsible digital behaviour.
Training and Exposure
Participants receive structured training on emerging technologies including 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. They also get exposure to real-world telecom projects and policy discussions. This equips students with practical knowledge and skills to contribute to India’s telecom growth and digital safety.
Incentives and Opportunities
Sanchar Mitras are assessed on innovation, outreach, and consistency. Outstanding performers may gain exclusive opportunities such as internships, participation in national telecom events like India Mobile Congress, and involvement in international telecom standards and policy forums. This encourages excellence and nurtures future telecom leaders.
Significance for India’s Digital Future
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme represents a strategic effort to build a digitally aware, skilled youth workforce. It supports India’s ambition to become a global hub for telecom research, development, and manufacturing. By involving young students, the scheme strengthens the link between government initiatives and citizen engagement in the digital era.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking the example of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme, discuss the role of youth participation in promoting digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness in India.
- Examine the impact of government-led digital empowerment initiatives on bridging the urban-rural digital divide in India.
- Analyse the challenges and opportunities in implementing nationwide telecom awareness programmes. Discuss in the light of India’s digital transformation goals.
- Critically discuss the significance of integrating emerging technologies like 5G and Artificial Intelligence in public awareness campaigns for telecom security and innovation.
