The Union government on Tuesday reiterated that the Sanchar Saathi mobile application—at the centre of a growing political controversy—will not be mandatory for users, even though the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install it on all new devices. The clarification comes amid strong criticism from Opposition parties and privacy advocates, who have labelled the move a “surveillance step” that threatens citizens’ privacy.
Scindia Clarifies App Can Be Deleted; DoT Says Aim Is Consumer Safety
Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said that users are free to delete the Sanchar Saathi app from their phones if they do not wish to use it, emphasising that the government merely intends to introduce the tool to citizens. “If you don’t want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional,” he told ANI on Tuesday. “Keeping it in their devices or not is up to the user.”
Scindia defended the directive to pre-install the app, saying it seeks to help users verify the authenticity of devices, report cyber fraud, and track lost phones. The government has promoted Sanchar Saathi as a digital safety tool that enables users to block and trace phones, report malicious links and unwanted commercial communication, and identify all mobile numbers issued in their name.
While the Centre maintains that the app enhances digital security, the Opposition has described the mandate as an overreach. Critics argue that pre-loading the app—even with the option to delete—sets a precedent for state surveillance and raises questions about data privacy.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury filed an adjournment motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking an immediate discussion on the matter, calling the directive alarming. At the same time, BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi defended the move, saying such digital tools would protect citizens. “I’m from IIT, so I understand the types of cyberattacks occurring today. This app will enhance people’s sense of security. Our data won’t escape,” he said.
Opposition Intensifies Criticism as Government Accuses It of Creating Disruptions
Even Congress MP Shashi Tharoor—who has recently supported several government initiatives—raised concerns about the compulsory nature of the installation. Tharoor said any application made mandatory in a democracy is “troubling” and questioned the Centre’s decision-making process. “The government should explain everything to the public instead of just passing an order via media reports,” he said, adding that the rationale behind the decision requires further scrutiny.
The government, however, accused the Opposition of creating unnecessary controversy. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Opposition was “manufacturing issues” to stall proceedings of the Winter Session. “We will hold talks with opposition leaders. We are not belittling their issues, but using them as a means to stall Parliament is not right,” he said.
While the uproar over the Sanchar Saathi app dominated discussions on Monday, the Opposition is also seeking debates on other matters, including the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in 12 states and Union territories, national security concerns following the Delhi blast, and rising air pollution levels. The government has not committed to a schedule for these discussions, resulting in repeated disruptions in both Houses.
As the session continues until December 19, the debate over the Sanchar Saathi app is expected to remain a flashpoint between the government and the Opposition. The Centre insists the pre-installation directive strengthens digital safety, while the Opposition remains firm that it threatens privacy and democratic freedoms.
