Since its launch on May 16, the Sanchar Saathi portal, a citizen-centric platform aimed at ensuring the safety of mobile phone users, has garnered an impressive visitor count of over 18 million. The Department of Telecommunications officials are now considering the possibility of submitting the portal for recognition by the Guinness World Records, as they believe it has achieved record-breaking numbers within a remarkably short span of time.
“We would like to publish it in Guinness World Records because we believe that there is no government site or portal which has received this kind of response and visitors within a span of about 3-4 weeks,” shared one official with BYT.
The Sanchar Saathi portal was developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the research and development (R&D) wing of the Department of Telecommunications, and is owned by the department itself.
Through this portal, citizens can easily access information regarding the number of SIM cards issued in their names. If they suspect that someone has obtained a SIM card using their identity, they can use the portal to block those specific numbers. This empowers individuals to take control of their mobile phone connections and prevent misuse.
Moreover, the portal offers a solution for recovering stolen or lost phones. When individuals register an FIR (First Information Report), they can provide their details, including the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, on Sanchar Saathi. This information allows the enforcement agency to trace the device. Remarkably, over 260,000 phones have already been successfully traced through this system.
In cases where individuals are dissatisfied with the recovery operation conducted by the police, they can share their feedback on the portal. The Department of Telecommunications will then engage with the corresponding police station to gather further details and address any concerns.
The integration of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) with Sanchar Saathi enhances its effectiveness. If someone steals a phone and inserts a new SIM card, an alert is automatically sent to the respective police station where the complaint was registered. Once the Department of Telecommunications traces the phone, it becomes the responsibility of the police to recover it, ensuring a collaborative effort in combating mobile phone theft.
The overwhelming response to the Sanchar Saathi portal demonstrates the importance and need for citizen-centric platforms that empower individuals to safeguard their mobile phone connections and combat fraudulent activities. The portal’s remarkable visitor count within such a short period highlights its effectiveness and signifies a significant step forward in enhancing mobile phone safety for the public.
