FROM TELECOM TO YOUTH POWER: UNION MINISTERS LAY OUT GOVERNANCE AGENDA AT INDIA NEWS MANCH

Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, while addressing India News Manch 2025 organised by the ITV Network, responded to allegations regarding surveillance by clarifying that the Sanchar Saathi application is designed solely to protect citizens from telecom-related fraud.

- TIKAM SHARMA

He stated that the initiative has resulted in the disconnection of nearly 90 lakh fraudulent mobile connections, verification and removal of over one crore SIM cards, the blocking of 26 lakh WhatsApp accounts, and the recovery of around 7.5 lakh stolen mobile phones. Emphasising that the app is entirely voluntary, Scindia noted that sustained public discussion has driven its downloads to over two crore.

Highlighting the transformation of India's telecom sector, Scindia said the country today operates the world's most affordable telecom network, with call tariffs having dropped by 97 per cent and data prices declining by over 94 per cent since 2014. Speaking on technological advancements, he pointed out that India has successfully developed an indigenous 4G technology stack, which has already been deployed on more than one lakh BSNL towers. This, he said, enables a smooth transition to 5G and positions India to take a leadership role in 6G development through the Bharat 6G Alliance, with an ambitious goal of contributing 10 per cent of global 6G patents by 2027.