DoT Launches Sanchar Mitra Scheme Across the Country to Support Youth in Digital Skills
Assam’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) hosted an interactive session today at BSNL Bhawan in Guwahati, aimed at engaging student volunteers from leading engineering institutions across the state. The event highlighted the newly launched Sanchar Mitra Scheme, which seeks to empower students as digital ambassadors to enhance communication between citizens and the telecom sector. The session featured key presentations from DoT officials, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in the evolving digital landscape.
Keynote Address and Objectives
The session was led by Ms. Sunita Chandra, Advisor to the Director General of Telecom in New Delhi. She emphasized the scheme’s goal of bridging the gap between DoT initiatives, telecom services, and citizen-centric efforts. “Our aim is to ensure that users and the public can navigate the telecom ecosystem more effectively,” she stated. Ms. Chandra highlighted the importance of harnessing the energy of young students from universities and colleges to achieve this goal.
Shri Suresh Puri, Additional Director General and Head of Assam LSA, elaborated on the three foundational pillars of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme: Connect, Educate, and Innovate. He stressed that raising public awareness is crucial for promoting secure and responsible telecom usage. Meanwhile, Shri Hemendra Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director General (Media) and Spokesperson for DoT, discussed the role of telecom services in India’s digital transformation. He pointed out the necessity of grassroots-level public awareness to protect citizens from digital fraud, reinforcing the significance of student volunteers as ‘digital ambassadors.’
Expansion of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme
Initially launched as a pilot program, the Sanchar Mitra Scheme has now been expanded for nationwide implementation due to its positive reception. The initiative aims to mobilize student volunteers, known as Sanchar Mitras, to raise awareness about critical telecom issues. These include digital safety, cyber fraud prevention, and responsible mobile usage. The scheme also promotes digital literacy among the public.
Participating students will gain exposure to advanced telecom technologies such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security. Through structured training and real-world project participation, the scheme aims to cultivate a digitally aware and skilled youth workforce. Institutions will be selected in collaboration with local DoT field units, and students from relevant academic backgrounds will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras.
Training and Opportunities for Student Volunteers
Sanchar Mitras will receive training from experts at the National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and DoT’s Media Wing. They will conduct awareness drives at the grassroots level, engaging with communities and NGOs to promote informed digital behavior. To foster excellence, participants will be periodically assessed based on their innovation, consistency, and outreach impact.
Outstanding performers may be offered exclusive opportunities, including internships and involvement in national telecom projects. They could also participate in high-level forums such as the India Mobile Congress and engage in ITU standards and policy work. This strategic engagement of youth through the Sanchar Mitra Scheme represents a significant step towards India’s vision of becoming a hub for telecom research, development, and manufacturing.
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