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Sanchar Saathi Row: Why Scindia Warns Against Rumours Amid Privacy Fears

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has addressed the controversy surrounding the Sanchar Saathi app. He firmly stated that the app can be uninstalled by users and will not operate unless they choose to register. Scindia emphasized the government's focus is solely on protecting citizens from cybercrime, which caused massive losses last year. He urged the public to rely on official facts rather than circulating rumours about the app's functionality.

Key Points: Scindia Clarifies Sanchar Saathi App Can Be Deleted

  • Scindia clarifies users can delete the Sanchar Saathi app like any other
  • The app is inactive until a user voluntarily registers on it
  • The government's stated goal is public safety from cyber fraud
  • The directive aims to curb counterfeit phones and telecom misuse
3 min read

Do not go on rumours: Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sanchar Saathi row

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarifies that the Sanchar Saathi app can be uninstalled, urging the public not to believe rumours about mandatory use.

"Do not go by what the rumours are in the public domain. - Jyotiraditya Scindia"

New Delhi, December 3

As a furore erupted over Centre's decision to mandate pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi app on all mobile phones, Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday urged everyone not to go on rumours.

"Do not go by what the rumours are in the public domain. 7B also does not say that you cannot uninstall the app. The problem is a lot of reality is lost if you don't go into the details. 7 B only says that the phones should have the apps installed and there should be no hindrance for the users to access it, and that it should not be disabled so that the user cannot use it. No where does 7B say that the user cannot delete the app. 7 B not for users. The user, like any app in mobile can go and delete it. So let's not misunderstand what 7 B stands for," Scindia told reporters outside parliament.

Scindia said that the government "only has one goal in mind," the safety of common people.

"We only have one goal in hand, the safety of common people. We want to save the people from cyber fraud. Total fraud of Rs 22,800 crore happened in last year. On one hand everyone says in one tune that the common people should be saved from fraud. The task of saving from fraud happens through Sanchar Saathi, that too in such a small time. The numbers of which I have already given in the house," he further said.

Earlier, while speaking in Parliament, Scindia reiterated that the Sanchar Saathi application can be deleted from mobile phones and will not be operational until the user registers on it.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Scindia refuted the speculation around snooping after the Centre passed a directive to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app in mobile handsets.

Replying to a question by Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda, the Union Minister said, "I want to keep all the facts in front of the nation. We have one billion (mobile) users, but there are elements who use it in a negative manner. It is the government's duty to keep the citizens safe. Sanchar Saathi portal was started in 2023 with this mind, and the app was brought in 2025... We decided to give a choice to all the citizens. If the app is on your phone, it does not mean it will operate automatically. Till the user registers in the app, it will not operate."

According to the Ministry of Telecommunication, the directions issued on November 28 aim to safeguard citizens from purchasing non-genuine handsets, enable easy reporting of suspected telecom misuse, and improve the effectiveness of the Sanchar Saathi initiative.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The intention might be good, but the rollout and communication have been very poor. Why wasn't this explained clearly from day one? It created unnecessary panic. The government needs to be more transparent with such sensitive digital policies. 🤔
A
Aman W
Trust is the issue, Scindia ji. After so many U-turns and vague laws like IT Rules, people are naturally suspicious. Saying "don't go on rumours" isn't enough. Build trust with clear, simple language in the official notification itself, not just in press conferences.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently lost money to a phishing call, I welcome any tool that can help. If this app can verify genuine handsets and block stolen ones, it's a step forward. The opt-in feature (registration required) addresses the privacy concern for me.
K
Karthik V
The problem is "pre-installed". It sets a bad precedent. Tomorrow they can pre-install anything and say "you can delete it". It bloats the phone and makes people uneasy. Why not just promote it heavily on Play Store/App Store and let people choose to install?
M
Meera T
My father got scammed last month. He's not tech-savvy. Having a government-verified safety app already on his new phone would actually be helpful for people like him. We just need a simple, clean explanation for the common man, not legal jargon. 👍

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