In a significant policy reversal, the Indian government has officially scrapped its directive that required mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on new handsets. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Communications, marks a shift in strategy for promoting the citizen-centric telecom security portal.
Government Cites Growing Public Acceptance
The Ministry clarified its stance in an official statement released on December 3, 2025. The core reason provided for withdrawing the mandate is the increasing voluntary adoption and use of the Sanchar Saathi platform among citizens. The government now believes that making pre-installation compulsory is no longer necessary to achieve its objectives.
The statement explicitly noted, "Given Sanchar Saathi’s increasing acceptance, the government has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers." This move is seen as responsive to the organic growth in the app's user base and potentially to feedback from the industry.
Implications for Mobile Manufacturers and Consumers
This revocation brings relief to smartphone brands operating in the highly competitive Indian market. A mandatory preload rule would have added another layer of compliance and could have impacted device launch timelines and software customization processes.
For consumers, the decision means that new phones will not come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed by default. However, users remain free to download it from official app stores if they wish to utilize its services. The app's key functionalities include:
- Checking mobile connections registered in one's name.
- Reporting lost or stolen phones to block them across all networks.
- Verifying the authenticity of mobile devices.
A Shift Towards Voluntary Adoption
The government's pivot suggests a confidence in the inherent utility of the Sanchar Saathi platform driving its own adoption. By removing the compulsion, the authorities are effectively betting on public awareness and the app's value proposition to sustain its growth trajectory.
The news was reported by Gyanendra Keshri and published at 21:21 IST on the same day. This development underscores the government's adaptive approach to implementing digital public infrastructure, balancing regulatory intent with market dynamics and user choice.
