The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has intensified its digital safety outreach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by expanding features under its Sanchar Saathi platform and continuing awareness drives through trained student volunteers known as Sanchar Mitras. The initiatives aim to help mobile users safeguard their devices, avoid fraud and strengthen digital literacy as telecom-related scams and unsolicited communications grow more common across the country.
Sanchar Saathi, available as a mobile app and web portal, is positioned as a citizen-centric platform designed to assist users in identifying unauthorised mobile connections, blocking lost or stolen devices and verifying handset authenticity. The DoT stated that new features have been added to enhance user convenience and overall security. Among these is “Trusted Contacts,” which provides verified contact details of banks and financial institutions for users to check the genuineness of suspicious calls or messages. Officials noted that the feature is expected to help curb the increasing trend of spoofed financial communication that often misleads unsuspecting users.
Other core components of the platform include Chakshu, which allows citizens to report suspected fraud communication and unsolicited commercial messages; tools to block lost or stolen phones through the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) mechanism; and services to verify an IMEI number before purchasing a device. Users can also check how many mobile numbers have been issued using their identity, allowing them to detect unauthorised SIM cards linked to their documents. The platform additionally supports reporting of international calls that display Indian numbers, a form of spoofing frequently used in fraud cases.
DoT officials highlighted that Sanchar Saathi has already helped block 1,399 mobile devices in the islands through CEIR and facilitated the recovery of 513 phones. The department urged all mobile subscribers to adopt the platform’s tools not only for personal safety but also to support wider digital hygiene practices within communities. Citizens were encouraged to regularly review their active mobile connections and report any suspicious activity promptly.
To strengthen public awareness, the DoT is also promoting the Sanchar Mitra initiative, which involves student volunteers trained to spread telecom literacy and digital safety information. Seven students from DBRAIT have been appointed as Sanchar Mitras for the islands. Their responsibilities include raising awareness about the Sanchar Saathi portal, educating communities on EMF/EMR radiation guidelines and informing citizens about cyber security basics. Officials said these volunteers play a crucial role in reaching households, schools and public spaces where direct outreach by telecom authorities is less frequent.
The Sanchar Mitras are tasked with explaining the importance of verifying unknown calls, avoiding the sharing of sensitive information and recognising signs of telecom fraud. They also conduct demonstrations of how to check SIM card details, block devices and file fraud complaints through the portal. Authorities believe that involving students in public digital safety campaigns helps create a stronger grassroots movement for responsible technology use, particularly in regions with diverse populations and varying levels of digital exposure.
DoT representatives said that as mobile penetration increases in the islands, it becomes essential for citizens to remain vigilant about telecom misuse. They emphasised that awareness and timely reporting are key to preventing financial losses and protecting personal data. Users were advised to help friends and family download the Sanchar Saathi app, especially those who may be more vulnerable to fraudulent communication.
The department reiterated its commitment to expanding the platform with more user-friendly services in the coming months. By combining digital tools with on-ground awareness campaigns, authorities hope to reduce telecom-related fraud and foster a safer digital environment for residents across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
