• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Amid an ongoing controversy over the Sanchar Saathi app, the centre has assured that pre-installation of the app on the mobile phones will not be mandatory. The clarification from the centre came after the opposition parties accused the government of "snooping" on citizens. While addressing the issue on Wednesday, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia asserted that the Sanchar Saathi application can be deleted from mobile phones and will not be operational until the user registers on it.

While responding to the query raised by Congress MP Deepender Hooda, Scindia stated that the app was introduced to ensure safety of the citizens, adding that it will not operate until the users register themselves. "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," Scindia asserted.

ALSO READ: Delhi Pollution Enters Parliament As Oppn MPs Wear Gas Masks To Raise Toxic Air Issue | Video

"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," he added.

The Congress on Wednesday stated that the government had introduced the app to breach the privacy of the citizens; however, they announced the changes after being caught "red handed". "This is not a clarification; it is a blatant lie, an attempt to cover up an unconstitutional order by feeding misinformation to 140 crore Indians," Congress leader Pawan Khera was quoted as saying by PTI.

ALSO READ: Mumbai News: New Sion East-West Overbridge Set To Open By June 2026; BMC Sets Fresh Deadlines

Earlier on Monday, a huge political row erupted after the Communications Ministry informed that it had directed manufacturers and importers of mobile handsets to ensure that its fraud reporting app, Sanchar Saathi, is pre-installed in all new devices within 90 days.

Also In News