To fortify India’s digital safety ecosystem, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Bihar LSA (Jharkhand unit), organized a comprehensive orientation programme for student volunteers under the flagship Sanchar Mitra scheme. 

The event, held today, saw active participation from students of Amity University Jharkhand and IIIT Ranchi, who have been inducted as ‘Sanchar Mitras’ (Digital Friends) to lead grassroots awareness on cybercrime and telecom security.

The orientation focused on three critical pillars: the Sanchar Saathi Portal, debunking Electromagnetic Field (EMR) myths, and navigating the landscape of recent cybercrimes.
 

Empowering Citizens via Sanchar Saathi
The session provided hands-on training on the Sanchar Saathi portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in). 

Students were trained to educate the public on:

* CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): How to block lost or stolen mobile phones to prevent misuse.
* Know Your Mobile Connections: Identifying and reporting unauthorized SIM cards linked to one's identity.
* Chakshu Facility: Reporting suspected fraudulent communications received via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.
 

Debunking EMR Myths
 

Addressing public anxiety regarding mobile tower radiation, DoT officials presented scientific evidence to dispel common EMR (Electromagnetic Radiation) myths. 

It was emphasized that Indian EMF norms are ten times more stringent than international safety standards prescribed by ICNIRP. Sanchar Mitras were encouraged to spread factual information to ensure that infrastructure development for 5G and 6G is not hindered by unfounded health fears.
 

Combating Modern Cybercrime
 

In light of the rising sophistication of digital frauds in 2026, the orientation highlighted recent trends such as fraudulent link scams, spoofed international calls, and KYC-update frauds.

"Our youth are the most effective bridge between technology and the common citizen. By empowering students from premier institutes, we are creating a shield against the evolving tactics of cybercriminals," said a senior DoT official during the keynote address. 

About Sanchar Mitra Scheme
 

The Sanchar Mitra scheme is a volunteer-based initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that engages university students as digital ambassadors. These volunteers receive specialized training to promote digital literacy, cyber hygiene, and responsible telecom usage across local communities.