Launch of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme: Empowering Students as Digital Ambassadors
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, recently launched the Sanchar Mitra Scheme nationwide. This initiative aims to tap into the potential of student volunteers, who will serve as "Digital Ambassadors" to promote telecom awareness and digital literacy across the country.
The first outreach session under the expanded scheme was hosted by the Assam LSA, the DoT's field office, at BSNL Bhawan in Guwahati. The event brought together representatives from prestigious engineering institutions such as IIT, IIIT, and NIT. The interactive session focused on onboarding these institutions and students into the initiative, with the goal of bridging the gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.
Sunita Chandra, Advisor at the Office of DG Telecom, chaired the event and highlighted the importance of youth in connecting telecom services with public welfare. She stated that the initiative aims to build a bridge between DoT initiatives, telecom services, and various citizen-centric efforts. It is about ensuring that users, customers, and the public function better, while also harnessing the energy and services of young students from universities and colleges.
Suresh Puri, Additional Director General of Assam LSA, outlined the three core pillars of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme: Connect, Educate, and Innovate. He emphasized the need for secure, responsible, and inclusive telecom use. Hemendra Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director General (Media), discussed the role of telecom in shaping India's transition from a consumer to a global provider of cutting-edge technologies.
The revamped Sanchar Mitra Scheme was launched by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. Initially a pilot project, it has now evolved into a scalable national movement. Volunteers will be trained to spread awareness on digital safety, cyber fraud prevention, EMF radiation, and responsible mobile usage. They will also gain exposure to emerging telecom technologies such as 5G, 6G, AI, and cybersecurity.
Students selected as Sanchar Mitras will undergo structured training conducted by experts from the National Communications Academy-Technology (NCA-T) and the DoT's Media Wing. Top performers will be rewarded with internships, opportunities to participate in national projects, and access to platforms like the India Mobile Congress.
This youth-centric initiative underscores India's commitment to building a digitally empowered society. It aligns with the country's leadership in Democracy, Demography, digitisation, and Delivery, reflecting a broader vision of leveraging technology for societal progress.
Key Objectives of the Sanchar Mitra Scheme
- Connect: Enhance the reach of telecom services to underserved areas.
- Educate: Promote digital literacy and awareness among the general public.
- Innovate: Encourage the adoption of new telecom technologies and foster innovation.
Training and Development Opportunities
- Structured training sessions by experts from NCA-T and the DoT's Media Wing.
- Exposure to emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, AI, and cybersecurity.
- Rewards for top performers, including internships, national project participation, and platform access.
Impact on Society
The Sanchar Mitra Scheme is not just about technological advancement but also about creating a more informed and empowered citizenry. By involving students as Digital Ambassadors, the initiative ensures that knowledge and awareness are disseminated effectively across different communities.
As the scheme continues to expand, it is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and fostering a culture of responsible and innovative telecom use. With the active participation of students and educational institutions, the Sanchar Mitra Scheme is set to make a significant impact on India's digital landscape.