- Citizen-centric platforms ‘Sanchar Saathi’ and ‘Call Before You Dig’ launched to protect users from cyber fraud and infrastructure risks
- Gujarat accelerates telecom innovation with 5G labs at IIT Gandhinagar, SVNIT Surat and NFSU, strengthening India’s digital backbone
- ₹5,631-crore BharatNet expansion to enable 5 lakh rural FTTH connections, connecting villages to high-speed broadband
- Centre of Excellence for telecom security and Malware Lab at NFSU to fortify cyber resilience and digital sovereignty
- DoT Gujarat LSA drives ‘Surakshit Sewayen’ vision with nationwide initiatives like CEIR, TAFCOP and Digital Bharat Nidhi
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, FEB 17
Reinforcing Gujarat’s emergence as a telecom innovation powerhouse, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) – Gujarat Licensed Service Area (LSA) hosted the high-impact Sanchar Mantralaya Goshthi-2026, where “secure, reliable, and robust telecom networks for every citizen” took centre stage, echoing the powerful vision articulated by P. Bharathi, Secretary (DST), Government of Gujarat.
Highlighting the government’s citizen-first telecom strategy, P. Bharathi reiterated the commitment of both the State and Central Governments to strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing cyber safety, and ensuring seamless connectivity across Gujarat’s urban and rural landscapes.
The landmark event witnessed the unveiling of the logos of the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ application and the ‘Call Before You Dig (CBuD)’ platform by P. Bharathi and Ashish Thacker, Additional Director General Telecom, DoT Gujarat LSA, alongside senior telecom officials and industry representatives.
Expressing her appreciation, P. Bharathi said the government remains firmly committed to delivering secure, reliable, and citizen-centric telecom services and emphasised the need for enhanced coordination and collaboration among all telecom ecosystem stakeholders.
Gujarat Emerges as Telecom Innovation and Security Hub
Underlining Gujarat’s growing stature as a telecom research and innovation hub, Ashish Thacker revealed that advanced 5G test labs have been established at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology Surat, and National Forensic Sciences University.
Additionally, Gujarat now hosts a Centre of Excellence for telecom security and a dedicated Malware Lab at NFSU Gandhinagar, significantly enhancing the state’s cyber defence and telecom security capabilities.
These initiatives position Gujarat at the forefront of India’s telecom innovation ecosystem, supporting indigenous research, cybersecurity resilience, and next-generation telecom technologies.
Massive BharatNet Push to Connect Rural Gujarat
Providing key infrastructure updates, Ashish Thacker announced significant progress under the BharatNet initiative. So far, 14,294 Gram Panchayats in Gujarat have been connected through optical fibre networks, bringing digital connectivity to grassroots communities.
Under the Amended BharatNet Programme, ₹5,631 crore has been allocated to Gujarat, enabling the rollout of 5 lakh rural FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home) connections, a transformative step toward bridging the rural-urban digital divide.
This initiative is part of the larger Digital Bharat Nidhi programme, which aims to expand mobile connectivity and digital inclusion in remote and underserved regions.
Sanchar Saathi and CEIR: Protecting Citizens in the Digital Age
The newly launched Sanchar Saathi platform represents a major leap in citizen protection, enabling users to safeguard themselves from SIM fraud, report cyber fraud, and recover stolen mobile devices.
Key telecom security initiatives highlighted during the Goshthi included:
- CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): Enables blocking and recovery of stolen or lost mobile devices
- TAFCOP platform: Helps citizens monitor SIM cards issued in their name
- CHAKSHU facility: Enables reporting of suspected telecom fraud
- Call Before You Dig (CBuD): Prevents telecom infrastructure damage during excavation work
These platforms collectively strengthen India’s digital safety architecture and protect consumers against growing cyber threats.
Building a Secure, Inclusive and Digitally Empowered Gujarat
The Department of Telecommunications emphasised its core motto of “Surakshit Sewayen” (Secure Services) and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure, transparent, and reliable telecom services.
Awareness campaigns are being conducted across colleges, government institutions, private organisations, and civil society to promote citizen-centric telecom initiatives. A dedicated facilitation centre at Gujarat LSA is also operational to support stakeholders and entrepreneurs interested in launching ISP services.
With robust investments, advanced infrastructure, and citizen-centric platforms, Gujarat is rapidly positioning itself as a model state for telecom innovation, cybersecurity resilience, and inclusive digital transformation.
