National Minority Commission Hosts ‘Sarv Dharma Samvad’ on Janmashtami

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29 August 2024

National Minority Commission Hosts ‘Sarv Dharma Samvad’ on Janmashtami

New Delhi, August 29, 2024: The National Minority Commission (NCM) organized a ‘Sarv Dharma Samvad’ on August 27, 2024, to mark the occasion of Janmashtami in New Delhi. The event, which celebrated interfaith harmony, was attended by prominent figures including Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Transport Shri Harsh Malhotra, NCM Chairman Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura, and Vice Chairman Shri Kersi Kaikhushroo Deboo.

The dialogue saw participation from various religious and community leaders, including Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya, Member of the Central Parliamentary Board and Election Committee of the BJP, Shri Kulvant Singh Dhaliwal, Global Ambassador of World Cancer Care (UK), and spiritual leaders like Dharma Guru Baba Naunihal Singh and Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj.

Speakers from diverse minority communities shared messages of brotherhood and the importance of celebrating all festivals together. The event underscored the need for inclusivity and development across all communities, resonating with the government’s vision of “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas” (Collective Effort, Inclusive Growth).

Hundreds of people from minority communities attended the meeting, reflecting the spirit of unity and shared commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.

TRAI Hosts High-Level Meeting to Combat Telecom Spam and Fraud

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29 August 2024

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Ankita Media - Blog — Illustration of a man walking towards a huge shape of a person's head overlaid with an image of the cosmos

New Delhi, August 28, 2024: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) convened a critical meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR) on August 27, 2024, at its headquarters in New Delhi. The session brought together representatives from key regulatory bodies, including the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and TRAI itself. Officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) attended as special guests.

The JCoR meeting, a collaborative platform for examining and addressing regulatory challenges in the digital era, focused on protecting consumers from the growing threats of spam and fraud within the telecom sector. TRAI Chairman Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti emphasized the necessity of a united effort to tackle these issues, urging regulators to implement key measures, including the whitelisting of URLs, APKs, OTT links, and callback numbers in SMS content, and the migration of existing telemarketers to the 140 series on the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform.

Key discussions during the meeting included:

Whitelisting and Traceability: Regulators discussed the importance of mandatory whitelisting for URLs, APKs, OTT links, and callback numbers, as well as ensuring the traceability of messages from senders to recipients. This step is seen as crucial to combat the misuse of headers and content templates in fraudulent activities.
Migration to 140 Series for Telemarketers: The need to migrate business entities using SIP/PRI channels for promotional calls to the 140 series was highlighted, along with the urgency of taking decisive action against spammers using bulk connections for unsolicited voice calls, robocalls, and pre-recorded calls.
Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) System: The JCoR explored the potential of leveraging the DCA system established by telecom service providers to obtain digital consent from consumers, enabling the delivery of messages and calls even to those who have opted for Do Not Disturb (DND) preferences.
160 Series for Service and Transactional Calls: The use of the 160 series for service and transactional calls was discussed, with a pilot study conducted by TRAI and RBI being reviewed for its technical feasibility.
Enhanced Information Exchange: The meeting underscored the importance of improving information exchange among regulators to control fraud using telecom resources.

By addressing these critical issues, the JCoR aims to enhance consumer protection against telecom-related fraud and spam, thereby ensuring a more secure and efficient telecom ecosystem.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Honors Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day

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29 August 2024

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image004ZW0W — "Cycling: A Key to Combat Pollution," Advocates Union Minister Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Ms. Raksha Khadse Participate in Sports Activities to Mark National Sports Day New Delhi, August 29, 2024: In a tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, alongside Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Ms. Raksha Khadse, paid floral respects at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi today. The event, held on National Sports Day, honored the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, whose contributions continue to inspire athletes nationwide. Following the tribute, Dr. Mandaviya and Ms. Khadse moved to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where they promoted the importance of fitness and sports. Addressing the audience, Dr. Mandaviya urged citizens to dedicate at least one hour to outdoor sports, highlighting a national initiative aimed at fostering a culture of physical activity across India. "As we look forward to celebrating 100 years of Independence in 2047, we must strive to build a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India)," stated Dr. Mandaviya. "Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Jo Khelenge, Wo Khilenge' (Those Who Play, Will Shine), embracing sports is essential for our nation's physical and mental well-being, especially as one of the youngest countries in the world." Dr. Mandaviya also stressed the environmental benefits of physical activity, particularly cycling. "Cycling is not only an excellent form of exercise but also an eco-friendly mode of transportation for short distances. It is a powerful tool against the challenges of global warming and climate change. Cycling is the best solution to pollution," he emphasized, encouraging citizens to adopt cycling for both their health and the environment. The celebrations continued with Dr. Mandaviya and Ms. Khadse actively participating in a Tug of War and a friendly football match alongside officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), underscoring the day's theme of sportsmanship and active engagement.

“Cycling: A Key to Combat Pollution,” Advocates Union Minister

Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Ms. Raksha Khadse Participate in Sports Activities to Mark National Sports Day

New Delhi, August 29, 2024: In a tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, alongside Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Ms. Raksha Khadse, paid floral respects at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi today. The event, held on National Sports Day, honored the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, whose contributions continue to inspire athletes nationwide.

Following the tribute, Dr. Mandaviya and Ms. Khadse moved to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where they promoted the importance of fitness and sports. Addressing the audience, Dr. Mandaviya urged citizens to dedicate at least one hour to outdoor sports, highlighting a national initiative aimed at fostering a culture of physical activity across India.

“As we look forward to celebrating 100 years of Independence in 2047, we must strive to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India),” stated Dr. Mandaviya. “Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Jo Khelenge, Wo Khilenge’ (Those Who Play, Will Shine), embracing sports is essential for our nation’s physical and mental well-being, especially as one of the youngest countries in the world.”

Dr. Mandaviya also stressed the environmental benefits of physical activity, particularly cycling. “Cycling is not only an excellent form of exercise but also an eco-friendly mode of transportation for short distances. It is a powerful tool against the challenges of global warming and climate change. Cycling is the best solution to pollution,” he emphasized, encouraging citizens to adopt cycling for both their health and the environment.

The celebrations continued with Dr. Mandaviya and Ms. Khadse actively participating in a Tug of War and a friendly football match alongside officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), underscoring the day’s theme of sportsmanship and active engagement.

Narendra Modi Appointed Prime Minister: NDA Delegation Secures Presidential Approval

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8 June 2024

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H20240607160274 — Exercising powers vested in her under Article 75 (1) of the Constitution of India, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, appointed Shri Narendra Modi to the office of Prime Minister of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan, in New Delhi on June 07, 2024.

Narendra Modi Appointed Prime Minister: NDA Delegation Secures Presidential Approval

New Delhi, 07 June 2024: A National Democratic Alliance (NDA) delegation, led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Shri J. P. Nadda, met with the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan today at 2:30 PM to submit a formal letter announcing the election of Shri Narendra Modi as the Leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party. The delegation also presented letters of support from various NDA constituent parties.

The delegation included senior BJP leaders Shri Rajnath Singh, Shri Amit Shah, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Dr. C.N. Manjunath, as well as prominent leaders from allied parties such as Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu (Telugu Desam Party), Shri Nitish Kumar and Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Janata Dal (United)), Shri Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy (Janata Dal (Secular)), Shri Chirag Paswan (Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)), and several others.

Upon reviewing the letters of support, the President confirmed that the BJP-led NDA alliance, the largest pre-election coalition, holds the majority support in the newly constituted 18th Lok Sabha, thus ensuring a stable government formation. Exercising her authority under Article 75(1) of the Constitution of India, the President appointed Shri Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India.

The President has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to propose the date and time for the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan and to provide the list of individuals to be appointed as members of the Union Council of Ministers.

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Successful Completion of Gambia Civil Servants’ Mid-Career Training in New Delhi

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8 June 2024

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Successful Completion of Gambia Civil Servants’ Mid-Career Training in New Delhi

New Delhi, 08 June 2024: The 4th Mid-Career Training Programme for mid-level civil servants from Gambia, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), concluded successfully on 7th June 2024 in New Delhi. The two-week program, attended by 30 officers from key Gambian ministries, marks the effective implementation of the India-Gambia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Personnel Administration and Governance (2019-24).

Shri V. Srinivas, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and Director General of the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), chaired the valedictory session. He congratulated the participants and highlighted the importance of digital transformation in driving economic growth, enhancing service delivery, and fostering inclusive development. Emphasizing the need for mutual knowledge exchange, Shri Srinivas stated, “It is important to mutually exchange knowledge to enhance governance in both the countries.”

The training program featured presentations by Gambian civil servants on Digital Gambia, Women Empowerment in Gambia, and the Social Welfare Scheme in Gambia. Group Two earned top honors for their presentation on Women Empowerment. His Excellency, Mr. Mushtafa Jawara, praised the NCGG training program for its role in facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized the potential positive impact of adopting Indian governance models in Gambia.

Dr. A.P. Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, highlighted the program’s tailored approach and the valuable interactions it fostered between participants and mentors. He stressed the importance of these programs in sharing knowledge and creating lasting professional relationships.

The NCGG, under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, continues to align its efforts with the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family). The institution has successfully trained civil servants from 17 countries, including Bangladesh, Maldives, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Cambodia.

The event was also attended by Smt. Prisca Poly Mathew, Consultant and Chief Administration Officer, Dr. Himashi Rastogi, Associate Professor, and Dr. Gazala Hasan, Assistant Professor at NCGG. The entire program was overseen by Dr. Mukesh Bhandari, Co-course Coordinator, and Shri Sanjay Dutt Pant, Programme Assistant.

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Narendra Modi’s Third Term: Regional Leaders Gather for Swearing-In Ceremony

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8 June 2024

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H20240607160276 — A delegation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Shri J. P. Nadda, President, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan, in New Delhi on June 07, 2024.

Narendra Modi’s Third Term: Regional Leaders Gather for Swearing-In Ceremony

New Delhi, 08 June 2024: The swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers, following the resounding victory in the General Elections 2024, is set for 09 June 2024. The event will see a significant diplomatic turnout, with leaders from India’s neighboring countries and the Indian Ocean region attending as honored guests.

Confirmed attendees include Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Seychellois Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Post the swearing-in ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu will host a grand banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, furthering the diplomatic engagements of the evening.

This high-profile visit underscores India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, reflecting the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity.

Government Directs Blocking of International Spoofed Calls Using Indian Numbers

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28 May 2024

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Government Directs Blocking of International Spoofed Calls Using Indian Numbers

New Delhi, May 26, 2024: The Ministry of Communications has issued directives to block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers. This measure is in response to rising incidents of cybercrime and financial fraud perpetrated through such calls, which appear to originate within India but are actually made by cybercriminals abroad manipulating the calling line identity (CLI).

Increasing Cases of Fraud

Fraudsters have exploited these spoofed calls in various scams, including fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, narcotics courier schemes, and impersonations of government and police officials. There have also been reports of fraudsters posing as officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to deceive citizens about disconnections of mobile numbers.

New System for Blocking Calls

In response, the DoT and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have developed a system to identify and block these spoofed calls from reaching Indian telecom subscribers. Directions have been issued to TSPs to implement the blocking of such calls. Notably, TSPs are already blocking incoming international spoofed calls using Indian landline numbers, as per previous DoT instructions.

Protecting Telecom Users

Ensuring user safety and security is a key aspect of the Digital India vision. The DoT has initiated several measures to protect telecom users, including the citizen-centric Sanchar Saathi portal (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/). Despite these efforts, some fraudsters may still find ways to bypass security measures.

Reporting Suspected Fraud

The government urges citizens to report any suspected fraud communications via the Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal, aiding in the collective effort to combat telecom fraud.

This proactive step underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding telecom users against cyber threats and enhancing the overall security of digital communications in India.

Indian Filmmakers Shine at Cannes: Historic Wins for Payal Kapadia and FTII Alumni

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28 May 2024

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Indian Filmmakers Shine at Cannes: Historic Wins for Payal Kapadia and FTII Alumni

India Celebrates Remarkable Success at 77th Cannes Film Festival

New Delhi, May 26, 2024: Indian filmmakers have made a significant mark at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, with notable achievements including Payal Kapadia’s Grand Prix win for her film “All We Imagine as Light” and multiple awards for FTII alumni.

Payal Kapadia’s Historic Grand Prix Win

For the first time in 30 years, an Indian film was nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or. Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” an Indo-French co-production, won the Grand Prix, the second-highest award in the category. The film, centered on the lives of two nurses, was granted official Indo-French co-production status and received substantial support from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

FTII Student Chidanand S Naik Wins ‘La Cinef’ Award

Chidanand S Naik, a student at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), won the first prize in the La Cinef section for his short film “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know,” based on Kannada folklore. This 15-minute film is a collaborative effort from FTII’s TV Wing’s one-year program, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Other Indian Achievements at Cannes

Anasuya Sengupta became the first Indian to win the Best Actress award in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ category for her performance in “The Shameless.”
Santosh Sivan, renowned cinematographer, was honored with the Pierre Angénieux Tribute award for his exceptional career.
Maisam Ali‘s film “In Retreat” was screened at the ACID Cannes sidebar, marking the first time an Indian film was featured in this section.

Celebrating Shyam Benegal’s Legacy

The festival also paid tribute to acclaimed director Shyam Benegal by showcasing his film “Manthan” in the classics section. Preserved at the National Film Archives of India and restored by the Film Heritage Foundation, the film’s screening commemorated its 48th anniversary.

The Bharat Pavilion and Bharat Parv

The Bharat Pavilion, established by NFDC under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, served as a hub for Indian filmmakers and international industry professionals, facilitating over 500 B2B meetings. Additionally, the Bharat Parv celebrated India’s cinematic presence and launched the poster for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Promoting Indian Cinema on the Global Stage

India’s historic performance at Cannes underscores the country’s growing influence in global cinema. The government’s efforts, including single-window clearance for film productions, international collaborations, and support for film education through institutions like FTII and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, are paving the way for continued success.

This year’s Cannes Film Festival highlighted India’s vibrant film industry and its capacity to produce world-class cinema, with Indian filmmakers and artists receiving well-deserved recognition on the international stage.

DST Hosts Climate Change Conclave at IIT Delhi

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28 May 2024

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DST Hosts Climate Change Conclave at IIT Delhi

Two-Day Event Focuses on AI Models, Data Quality, and Climate Adaptation

New Delhi, May 28, 2024: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) organized a two-day Climate Change Conclave from May 27-28, 2024, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. The event convened experts nationwide to discuss the development of foundational Artificial Intelligence (AI) models for climate modeling tailored to the Indian context, the enhancement of data quality control, and the improvement of climate predictions. Additionally, the conclave emphasized strengthening interactions with communities to develop better climate adaptation solutions.

Keynote Addresses and Highlights

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, inaugurated the conclave, highlighting the achievements of the National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC). He emphasized the importance of developing AI models suited to India’s specific needs. Releasing the draft executive summary of the ‘District Level Climate Risk Assessment for India,’ Karandikar noted that indigenous climate models would provide a better understanding of addressing climate change. He stressed the importance of a holistic approach involving interdisciplinary researchers and stakeholders to tackle the challenges of climate change, particularly its impacts on agriculture, water, and the environment.

Contributions from Leading Experts

Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor at DST, reflected on the evolution of DST’s Climate Change Programme and its contributions to the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC). He underscored the need for collaborative efforts to secure the future for coming generations, urging communities to work together on actionable solutions.

Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) at DST, stressed the urgency of addressing climate change, noting that 40% of the world’s population is already vulnerable to its adverse effects. She outlined DST’s efforts under NAPCC, supporting numerous R&D programs aimed at developing climate solutions. Gupta also highlighted DST’s participation in Mission Innovation, a global initiative launched in 2015 to foster clean energy solutions.

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, showcased the Centre of Excellence on climate change modeling at IIT Delhi. He detailed innovative mitigation technologies being developed, such as coal-to-methanol conversion, blue hydrogen production, and carbon capture and storage.

Broad Participation and Collaboration

The conclave featured participation from climate change experts across various prestigious institutions, including IIT Delhi, IIT Bhubaneswar, Banaras Hindu University, University of Delhi, Kashmir University, IISc, University of Allahabad, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, India Meteorological Department, ICRISAT, and multiple DST Centres of Excellence. DST officials also contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the initiative.

The Climate Change Conclave served as a significant platform for experts to share insights, forge partnerships, and outline strategies to enhance India’s climate resilience and sustainable development goals

DoT and NTIPRIT Hold Workshop for Over 220 Sanchar Mitras from 20 States/UTs

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28 May 2024

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DoT and NTIPRIT Hold Workshop for Over 220 Sanchar Mitras from 20 States/UTs

‘Sanchar Mitra’ Platform Engages Students to Raise Awareness on Citizen-Centric Services

New Delhi, May 28, 2024:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the National Telecommunications Institute, Ghaziabad (NTIPRIT), hosted an Awareness Workshop today for the ‘Sanchar Mitras’. This program enlists student volunteers to empower citizens by raising awareness about various department initiatives and the dangers of cyber fraud.

Smt Madhu Arora Addresses Sanchar Mitras

Smt Madhu Arora, Member (T), Digital Communication Commission, inaugurated the workshop, emphasizing the critical role of telecommunications in the digital age. “Telecommunications is vital today. Sanchar Mitra is a steppingstone to raise awareness and empower citizens,” she stated. Describing the volunteers as “agents of change,” she highlighted their role in bridging the gap between government initiatives and citizens, particularly in remote areas.

Arora also stressed the importance of two-way communication, with Sanchar Mitras serving as a feedback mechanism to relay citizens’ challenges to the DoT, helping shape better strategies. She urged the volunteers to seize the opportunity to explore future prospects in telecom and related fields.

Key Highlights from the Workshop

Shri Deb Kumar Chakraborti, Director General of NTIPRIT, spoke on the significant role of Sanchar Mitras in connecting citizens with the DoT. He outlined the volunteers’ primary duties, including providing affordable connectivity, addressing grievances, tackling cyber threats, and promoting safe citizen-centric solutions. Chakraborti also provided valuable suggestions for expanding the Sanchar Mitra program.

Roles and Responsibilities of Sanchar Mitras

Sanchar Mitras, selected from prestigious educational institutions housing 100 5G Use Case Labs, will undertake various roles, including:

Raising awareness about telecom-related citizen services like the Sanchar Saathi portal and educating citizens about the dangers of cyber fraud.
Reporting issues and collecting feedback, facilitating coordination with field offices.
Promoting digital literacy and ensuring safe mobile usage.
Coordinating with colleges, NGOs, Village Level Entrepreneurs, and local law enforcement agencies to address cases of fraud or misuse effectively.
Gathering insights on local trends and challenges, helping the DoT tailor its strategies and policies.
Acting as a feedback loop to refine the Sanchar Saathi initiative based on evolving needs.

Background of the Sanchar Mitra Program

Sanchar Mitras are selected from universities across 28 states and 4 UTs. The program aims to enhance mobile users’ security, clarify radiation myths, and raise awareness about DoT’s initiatives. By engaging students from diverse regions, the program seeks to establish a collaborative approach to telecom issues and promote a safe digital ecosystem.

Conclusion

The workshop organized by NTIPRIT served as an induction program, enhancing the understanding and effectiveness of the Sanchar Mitras. Focusing on communication skills, it provided an overview and demonstration of key citizen-centric services, preparing the volunteers to be instrumental in the DoT’s outreach and engagement efforts.