How Does DoT’s Sanchar Saathi Initiative Recover 6 Lakh Lost and Stolen Mobile Handsets?
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Synopsis
Discover how the DoT's Sanchar Saathi initiative has transformed the recovery of lost and stolen mobile devices in India. With over 600,000 handsets recovered, this groundbreaking initiative is not only enhancing digital security but also reinforcing public trust in technology and governance.
Key Takeaways
- Over 600,000 devices recovered through the initiative.
- Real-time integration with telecom providers and police.
- Automated alerts for users when a lost device is detected.
- 61% increase in recovery rates in eight months.
- Over 190 million website visits since launch.
New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) Over 600,000 lost and stolen mobile devices have been successfully retrieved through the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) Sanchar-Saathi initiative, as announced by the government on Tuesday.
The ‘Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset’ feature of this citizen-focused digital safety program has reached a remarkable milestone, which significantly bolsters public confidence in digital governance, according to the Ministry of Communications.
This accomplishment highlights the government’s dedication to safeguarding citizens’ digital assets and illustrates the effectiveness of collaborative technology in fighting cybercrime.
The Sanchar Saathi platform operates in real-time with the integration of the DoT, Telecom Service Providers (TSP), and local State/UT police.
“Following the theme of ‘Digital by Design’, this feature facilitates the recovery of one phone every minute, as stated by the government.
This tool enables citizens to report, block, trace, or unblock their lost or stolen mobile devices across all Indian telecom networks.
Reported lost or stolen handsets are blocked nationwide in telecom networks to avert any potential misuse.
“As soon as a SIM card is activated in a reported lost or stolen mobile device, automated traceability is initiated, and alerts are dispatched to the citizens as well as the relevant police station where the initial report was filed,” according to the government.
Citizens receive details of the police station to contact through SMS in the generated traceability.
These initiatives have led to a consistent month-on-month improvement in recovery rates, with monthly recoveries rising from 28,115 in January 2025 to 45,243 in August 2025, indicating a 61% increase over the span of eight months.
This achievement reinforces the government’s vision of a secure digital ecosystem where technology acts as a facilitator for citizen empowerment and safety.
Since its launch in May 2023, Sanchar Saathi has emerged as India’s most extensive digital safety platform, amassing over 190 million website visits and more than 9 million mobile app downloads.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the significance of the Sanchar Saathi initiative. This program not only serves a practical purpose in recovering lost assets but also embodies the government's commitment to enhancing digital safety and fostering public trust in governance. The collaborative efforts among various stakeholders are crucial in combating cybercrime effectively.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sanchar Saathi initiative?
The Sanchar Saathi initiative is a digital safety program by the Department of Telecommunications aimed at recovering lost and stolen mobile devices.
How many mobile handsets have been recovered?
Over 600,000 lost and stolen mobile handsets have been recovered through the initiative.
How does the recovery process work?
Citizens can report their lost or stolen mobile devices, which are then blocked in telecom networks to prevent misuse, and automated alerts are sent when a SIM is used with the device.
When was the Sanchar Saathi initiative launched?
The Sanchar Saathi initiative was launched in May 2023.
What is the significance of this initiative?
The initiative reinforces public trust in digital governance and enhances the security of citizens' digital assets.
