Sanchar Mitra Scheme outreach event by DoT and student ambassadors

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has officially expanded the Sanchar Mitra Scheme across India, after a successful pilot phase. This national-level initiative engages student volunteers from leading technical institutions to serve as “Sanchar Mitras”, or digital ambassadors, who promote telecom awareness, cyber hygiene, and responsible digital behavior among citizens.

The national outreach event was recently held at BSNL Bhawan, Guwahati, where the Assam Licensed Service Area (LSA) collaborated with 18 top engineering institutes including IIT, IIIT, and NIT. Key dignitaries such as Ms. Sunita Chandra, Advisor at DG Telecom, and Shri Suresh Puri, ADG & Head of Assam LSA, addressed the gathering and praised the enthusiasm of the participating institutions.

🔹 Three Pillars of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme

The Sanchar Mitra Scheme is structured around three guiding pillars that define its core purpose:

🔸 Connect

Sanchar Mitras will serve as a bridge between telecom consumers and the digital ecosystem, helping citizens understand their telecom rights, grievance redressal mechanisms, and available services.

🔸 Educate

Volunteers will raise awareness about cyber safety, EMF radiation, online scams, and digital literacy to help citizens stay safe and informed in the digital era.

🔸 Innovate

The scheme encourages students to think beyond awareness and develop digital solutions using AI, 5G/6G, and cybersecurity technologies that can benefit society.

🔹 Benefits for Sanchar Mitras

Student volunteers selected under the Sanchar Mitra Scheme will undergo training by DoT and the National Communications Academy – Technology (NCA-T). The training will include:

  • Introduction to Telecom Policies
  • Basics of 5G, 6G, and IoT
  • AI and cybersecurity best practices
  • Community outreach methods

Top performers may earn:

  • Internship offers with DoT and industry partners
  • Project roles in telecom awareness campaigns
  • Invites to national forums like the India Mobile Congress

This hands-on experience will not only enhance their technical knowledge but also groom them as leaders in India’s digital transformation journey.

🔹 National Vision Behind the Sanchar Mitra Scheme

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, who formally launched the national version of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme, stated that the program reflects India’s strength in the “4Ds” — Democracy, Demography, Digitization, and Delivery. He emphasized that empowering students with the tools to raise awareness would ensure safer digital access for millions.

“The Sanchar Mitra Scheme is a powerful example of youth-led digital empowerment. It represents a new model of grassroots governance,” said the Minister.

This initiative aligns perfectly with the Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat missions, reinforcing India’s position as a future telecom innovation hub.

🔹 Strong Institutional Participation

Representatives from IITs, NITs, and IIITs attending the session expressed eagerness to integrate the program with ongoing research, NSS outreach, and student innovation clubs.

Their proactive participation reflects the scheme’s strong potential for community-based impact, where youth drive awareness in both rural and urban areas.

Long-Term Impact and Future Scope of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme

As the Sanchar Mitra Scheme scales nationwide, its long-term impact is expected to be transformative. By creating a direct line between the Department of Telecommunications and youth-led community networks, the scheme ensures that awareness about digital threats and responsible usage reaches even remote corners of India.

Furthermore, as the telecom sector rapidly transitions to 5G and 6G technologies, the presence of Sanchar Mitras at the grassroots level will ensure smoother adoption, informed usage, and a digitally literate population.

There is also immense potential for the scheme to integrate with national skilling missions and Digital India internships, giving students more hands-on experience and career opportunities in the telecom and cybersecurity sectors.

By 2030, this initiative may evolve into a certification and employment-linked program, transforming volunteers into full-time digital trainers, tech evangelists, and public policy contributors. The Sanchar Mitra Scheme isn’t just a campaign — it’s a foundation for building India’s telecom leadership of tomorrow.

Get official updates at the Department of Telecommunications website.

For more updates on national digital initiatives, visit our homepage at Pulse Today.