Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday defused the raging controversy over mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app by explicitly declaring that users are free to uninstall or delete the application at any time, emphasising that retention on personal devices remains entirely voluntary despite the recent DoT directive.

Addressing media persons, Scindia stated, “If you do not want Sanchar Saathi, simply delete it. It is optional. Our responsibility is to make this powerful anti-fraud tool available to every citizen, but whether they keep it or remove it is completely their choice.” He dismissed opposition allegations of surveillance, asserting the app neither monitors calls nor enables government spying and can be deactivated whenever desired.

The clarification follows the Department of Telecommunications’ November 28 order requiring all handset manufacturers and importers to factory-install Sanchar Saathi on every new smartphone sold in India within 90 days, with compliance reports due within 120 days. The directive had triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders who branded it an invasion of privacy and another step toward digital authoritarianism.

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Scindia countered by highlighting the app’s proven track record in combating telecom fraud, revealing that the platform has facilitated disconnection of 1.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections, traced nearly 20 lakh stolen handsets and successfully returned 7.5 lakh devices to owners since its launch. With over 20 crore portal visits and 1.5 crore direct downloads, the minister described the pre-installation mandate as a proactive measure to protect citizens from rising cybercrime rather than an attempt at control.

Reiterating that national security and consumer safety remain the government’s top priorities, Scindia remarked that when the opposition lacks substantive issues it manufactures controversies, but the Centre will continue introducing citizen-centric initiatives undeterred. The minister’s assurance that users retain full autonomy over the app is expected to calm public concerns while allowing the DoT to proceed with its rollout across brands including Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and others.

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