A major political controversy has erupted over a directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) concerning the government's Sanchar Saathi portal and its associated mobile applications. The opposition has launched a fierce attack, branding the order as both unconstitutional and ridiculous.
The Controversial DoT Directive
At the heart of the dispute is a letter dated May 20, 2024, sent by the DoT to telecom service providers and several other organizations. The directive mandates these entities to widely publicize and promote the government's Sanchar Saathi portal and its mobile applications, specifically the 'Chakshu' and 'DIP' apps, across all their customer touchpoints.
The order demands comprehensive action, including displaying posters and standees at retail outlets, sending bulk SMS messages to all subscribers, and featuring promotional materials on official websites and social media platforms. The DoT has set a strict deadline of June 18, 2024, for full compliance, requiring the entities to submit an action taken report by that date.
Opposition's Furious Backlash
The directive has drawn immediate and severe condemnation from opposition Members of Parliament. Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh led the charge, taking to social media to express his outrage. He explicitly called the order unconstitutional, arguing that it forces private companies to act as propaganda vehicles for the government.
Ramesh highlighted a specific clause in the DoT letter that instructs organizations to use the tagline 'Developed by Department of Telecommunications' in all promotional material. He condemned this as a blatant attempt at self-promotion by the ruling dispensation, using private sector resources to amplify its own schemes. His criticism framed the move as an abuse of power, compelling corporate entities to endorse government applications against their will.
Broader Implications and Legal Concerns
The backlash extends beyond political rhetoric, raising serious questions about the limits of governmental authority. The opposition's core argument is that such a directive oversteps the legal and ethical boundaries between the state and private enterprise. By mandating private companies to promote specific government digital tools, the DoT is seen as enforcing a form of compelled speech.
This incident also casts a spotlight on the Sanchar Saathi portal itself. The platform, launched to enhance citizen security in the telecom space, allows users to track mobile connections registered in their name, block lost phones, and report fraudulent communications. The 'Chakshu' module is designed for reporting suspected spam calls and messages, while 'DIP' helps identify and block fraudulent numbers.
Despite its intended utility, the method of its promotion has now become a flashpoint. The controversy suggests a growing tension between the government's digital outreach efforts and concerns over the coercive use of regulatory power. The demand for an action taken report further intensifies the pressure on companies, leaving them with little room to maneuver without potentially facing regulatory consequences.
As the June 18 deadline approaches, the telecom and other affected industries are caught in a difficult position. They must balance compliance with a government order against the backdrop of a heated political debate labeling that order as an overreach. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further legal or parliamentary challenges to the DoT's directive.
