Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, chaired a stakeholders’ meeting in New Delhi to review and strengthen the Sanchar Saathi initiative, a citizen-centric digital platform designed to combat telecom-related cyber frauds. Accompanied by Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Dr. Neeraj Mittal, the minister emphasized the need for enhanced public awareness, robust preventive systems, and active citizen participation in tackling the growing threat of digital fraud. During the meeting, Scindia launched the Sanchar Saathi mobile application in Hindi and 21 regional languages, making the platform more accessible to citizens across linguistic and regional boundaries. The app, now available on Android and iOS, allows users to report suspicious calls and messages, block or trace lost mobile devices, and verify mobile connections, with over 46 lakh downloads reported so far.
Sanchar Saathi integrates several advanced digital tools, including the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to block lost or stolen phones, ASTR (AI-based detection of fake SIMs), DIP (Digital Intelligence Platform), and the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI). These systems have collectively contributed to significant results: over 82 lakh fake mobile connections have been disconnected, 1.35 crore spoofed international calls blocked within 24 hours of activation, and more than 35 lakh stolen phones disabled. The platform has also disengaged 24.46 lakh fraudulent WhatsApp accounts and blacklisted 20,000 bulk SMS senders. The Sanchar Saathi portal has seen over 16 crore visits with nearly 2 lakh users engaging daily.
The meeting saw participation from various stakeholders including law enforcement officials, telecom providers, financial institutions, and cyber experts. Citizens from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh shared personal success stories, praising the platform’s quick redressal of lost phone cases. One cyber volunteer, Sujit Beck, highlighted how he used the platform to help disconnect thousands of fraudulent SIMs and spread awareness, particularly among the elderly. With 620 organizations now onboarded—including police departments, telecom service providers, and the GST Network—Sanchar Saathi continues to evolve as a powerful and inclusive tool in India’s digital safety ecosystem. The multilingual expansion of the app marks a significant step toward empowering all citizens to stay safe in the telecom space.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
