New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Assam LSA, the field office of Department of Telecommunications convened an interactive session with heads and representatives from premier engineering institutions including IIT, IIIT, NIT, and other engineering colleges across Assam at BSNL Bhawan in Guwahati as DoT rolled out Sanchar Mitra scheme nationwide.

The focus of the session was to inform and expand the recently launched Sanchar Mitra Scheme, an innovative initiative aimed at engaging student volunteers as digital ambassadors to bridge the communication gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.

According to a release, the session was chaired by Sunita Chandra, Advisor, DG Telecom, New Delhi.

'The aim of the system was to build a bridge between DoT initiatives, telecom services, and various citizen-centric efforts. It's about ensuring that our users, customers, and the public function better. We also wanted to harness the energy and services of young students from universities and colleges,' Sunita Chandra said.

Representatives from various institutes actively participated in the discussions and exhibited enthusiasm for associating with the Scheme, the release said.

Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of North East Region, launched the revamped 'Sanchar Mitra Scheme', transforming it from a pilot initiative into a robust, scalable, and incentive-driven national movement.

The scheme is designed to mobilise the power of India's Yuva Shakti -- student volunteers -- to become informed ambassadors of telecom awareness, cybersecurity, and digital empowerment. Scindia had described the scheme as a vision that symbolises India's leadership in the four Ds -- Democracy, Demography, Digitisation, and Delivery.

The Sanchar Mitra Scheme was initially piloted in select institutions. It has now been scaled up for nationwide implementation 'following an enthusiastic response and promising impact in its pilot phase'.

Under this scheme, student volunteers--designated as Sanchar Mitras--will be empowered to raise awareness among the public about key telecom issues such as digital safety, cyber fraud prevention, and EMF radiation concerns, while also promoting responsible mobile usage and digital literacy.

The expanded Sanchar Mitra Scheme aims not only to enhance public awareness but also to provide participating students with exposure to cutting-edge telecom technologies, including 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. Through structured training, project participation, and engagement with real-world telecom initiatives, the scheme seeks to build a digitally aware, skilled, and research-oriented youth workforce.

Participating institutions will be identified in consultation with local DoT field units, and students from relevant academic backgrounds--telecom, electronics, computer science, cyber security--will be nominated as Sanchar Mitras.

Sanchar Mitras will receive necessary training from experts in the field and from the National Communications Academy-Technology (NCA-T) and the DoT's Media Wing. Sanchar Mitras will carry out grassroots-level awareness drives, engage with communities and NGOs, and act as catalysts for informed digital behaviour in their surroundings.

To encourage excellence, participants will be assessed periodically based on innovation, consistency, and the impact of their outreach. Outstanding performers may be offered exclusive opportunities, including internships, involvement in national telecom projects, participation in high-level forums such as the India Mobile Congress, and engagement with ITU standards and policy work. (ANI)