Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Defends Sanchar Saathi App in Lok Sabha

New Delhi. During a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Union Minister for Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, elaborated on the utility, voluntary nature, and importance of citizen safety concerning the Sanchar Saathi app. Scindia clarified that the app is not a tool for any form of snooping. Instead, it serves as a means of empowering citizens. The app cannot be activated without registration, and every citizen has the complete right to choose not to use it or to delete it at any time. Addressing the misconceptions spread by the opposition, he stated that Sanchar Saathi is not only the foundation of India's digital security but also a security platform driven by public participation, granting every citizen the right to safeguard their mobile identity.

The Union Minister made it clear in Parliament that the ultimate authority in a democracy lies with the citizens. He also emphasized that the department is ready to amend its rules based on public suggestions and feedback, as the initiative aims solely to ensure the safety of every mobile user in India. To achieve this, the Sanchar Saathi app is being made accessible to all, and the department is prepared to make changes to the app and its regulations based on feedback.

Scindia explained that while the Sanchar Saathi portal and app are powered by the Government of India, the true credit for its success goes to the public. He noted that this is the country's first platform that has engaged citizens directly in actions against fraudulent mobile connections, stolen phones, fake IMEIs, and cyber fraud. He informed the house that the Sanchar Saathi portal has received over 200 million visits, and the app has been downloaded more than 15 million times.

The reporting and participation from citizens have yielded unprecedented results:

- Over 1.5 million fraudulent mobile connections have been disconnected based on public reporting.

- 2.6 million stolen/missing mobile phones have been traced.

- More than 700,000 phones have been returned to citizens.

- 4.1 million mobile connections have been shut down based on additional citizen input.

- Over 600,000 fraud-linked IMEIs have been blocked.

He stated that this platform belongs to the public, is for the public, and is dedicated to public safety. The government merely provides the technology; the real strength lies with India's mobile users.

Scindia emphasized that the Sanchar Saathi app does not activate automatically. The app functions only when users choose to open it, voluntarily register, and decide to use it. He remarked, “Just like you have hundreds of apps on your phone, Sanchar Saathi is also an option. Citizens can choose to use it or uninstall it at any time. In a democracy, the ultimate authority lies with the citizens.” He reiterated that the department is eager to amend its rules based on public suggestions and feedback, as the initiative aims solely to ensure the safety of every mobile user in India.

Scindia stated that there are over a billion mobile consumers in India. While telecommunications connect the country, various elements also exploit it negatively, such as fake SIMs, fraudulent IMEIs, scam networks, cybercrime, and the illegal trade of stolen phones, which pose significant challenges. It is the government's duty to keep the public safe. Sanchar Saathi fulfills this responsibility by protecting citizens from fraud, locating stolen phones, and serving as a powerful tool to combat digital crime.