The Indian telecommunications sector, while rapidly growing, has long faced the challenge of bridging the gap between its expansive digital infrastructure and the common citizen’s understanding of it. Recognizing the need for deeper grassroots engagement, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, launched the Sanchar Mitra Scheme on July 12, 2025, as a nationwide youth volunteer programme to promote public awareness on telecom-related issues and digital literacy.
The initiative aims to train and deploy student volunteers, known as “Sanchar Mitras,” across India, particularly from top-tier technical institutions such as IITs, NITs, and IIITs. These volunteers serve as digital ambassadors, acting as a bridge between the telecom regulatory authorities and the public, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Vision and Purpose
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme is designed around three central pillars: Connect, Educate, and Innovate.
Under the Connect component, the programme encourages direct citizen engagement with telecom services and grievance redressal platforms like Sanchar Saathi. Through Educate, the volunteers raise awareness on crucial subjects such as cyber fraud prevention, safe mobile usage, EMF radiation safety, and the responsible use of digital services. Finally, the Innovate pillar promotes a spirit of technological inquiry and encourages youth to explore solutions to real-world telecom challenges using emerging tools like AI, 5G, 6G, and cybersecurity.
Role and Training of Sanchar Mitras
Sanchar Mitras are selected from engineering colleges and undergo structured training provided by the National Communications Academy – Technology (NCA-T) and the Media Wing of the DoT. The training covers not only technical knowledge but also soft skills like public speaking, community engagement, and communication strategies in regional languages.
These volunteers then conduct outreach activities in local communities, urban neighborhoods, schools, and villages. They spread awareness about telecom services, encourage safe digital behavior, and assist people in understanding their rights and tools to report telecom frauds and complaints. They are also expected to submit periodic feedback reports that help policymakers better understand on-ground challenges faced by the public.
Through street plays, awareness rallies, workshops, and even local radio or social media campaigns, Sanchar Mitras are becoming the new face of telecom outreach in India. They bring in both technological expertise and community connect, making them uniquely suited for the role.
Pilot Success and National Expansion
The scheme was first piloted in a few states where Sanchar Mitras from institutions like IIT Guwahati and IIIT Hyderabad engaged in community awareness drives with measurable success. Their feedback and effectiveness led to the scheme’s nationwide expansion in July 2025.
In Assam, for instance, the Licensed Service Area (LSA) office in Guwahati partnered with 18 engineering institutions to launch the programme. Volunteers from these colleges participated in the first outreach session held at BSNL Bhawan. Similarly, in Himachal Pradesh, the DoT recognized volunteers from IIT Mandi with certificates for successfully completing their outreach activities and contributing to spreading telecom literacy.
Incentives and Career Benefits
To make the scheme attractive for students, the DoT has built a well-structured incentive framework. Sanchar Mitras who demonstrate outstanding performance receive national recognition, internship opportunities in the telecom sector, and invitations to participate in high-profile events like the India Mobile Congress. Some may also gain access to global policymaking forums under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The skills and exposure that the scheme provides are likely to benefit students in the long run. It allows them to understand policymaking, field-level execution, and community engagement traits that are increasingly valued in both public sector and corporate careers.
Importance in India’s Digital Vision
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme aligns with India’s larger vision of building an inclusive digital society. As the country pushes forward with initiatives like BharatNet and 5G rollout, public awareness and participation are critical for success. Technological advancement without digital literacy can leave many behind, and the Sanchar Mitras are expected to fill that gap.
Moreover, the programme reflects the government’s shift toward participatory governance in the telecom sector. Rather than merely regulating from the top, the DoT is now building citizen-centric models where people, especially youth, play a key role in shaping the telecom environment.
The initiative also has a preventive dimension. With rising cases of online scams, mobile tower frauds, and misinformation related to radiation fears, public awareness has become a national priority. Sanchar Mitras are trained to debunk such myths and educate people on fact-based, scientifically sound information.
Conclusion
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme is more than a telecom outreach effort it is a youth empowerment initiative rooted in civic participation and technological responsibility. By turning students into educators, the scheme not only strengthens India’s digital infrastructure but also builds a generation of socially conscious and tech-savvy leaders.
As the programme expands across states and institutions, its real success will lie in its ability to inspire communities, foster digital trust, and create a participative ecosystem where technology truly becomes a tool for inclusive growth.
Sources:
- https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/business/sanchar-mitra-scheme-launched-nationwide-to-empower-youth-as-digital-ambassadors/?utm_
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/lsa-partners-with-18-colleges-to-roll-out-sanchar-mitra-scheme/articleshow/122393262.cms?utm_
- https://opengovasia.com/india-youth-as-digital-ambassadors-for-inclusive-transformation/?utm_
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