The Department of Telecommunications – Gujarat LSA, through the Office of the Additional Director General Telecom, organized Sanchar Mantralaya Goshthi-2026. The programme was graced by Smt. P. Bharathi, IAS, Secretary (DST), Government of Gujarat, as the Chief Guest. On this occasion, Shri Ashish Thacker, ITS, Additional Director General Telecom, DoT Gujarat LSA, along with other officials and senior representatives of private telecom companies, also participated in the Goshthi.During the event, Smt. P. Bharathi, IAS, Secretary (DST), Government of Gujarat, and Shri Ashish Thacker, ITS, Additional Director General Telecom, DoT Gujarat LSA, unveiled the logos of the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ application and the ‘Call Before You Dig (CBuD)’ platform.

On this occasion, Smt. P. Bharathi expressed her gratitude for organizing the programme. She reiterated the commitment of both the State and Central Governments to ensuring secure, reliable, and robust telecom networks for every citizen of the state. She also emphasized the need for enhanced coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders in the telecom ecosystem.

The objective of the Goshthi was to highlight important initiatives undertaken to promote citizen-centric governance and to facilitate the telecom sector. In this regard, Shri Ashish Thacker, ITS, Additional Director General Telecom, DoT Gujarat LSA, stated that through the efforts of LSA, 5G test labs have been established at IIT Gandhinagar, SVNIT Surat, and NFSU to promote advanced telecom research and innovation in Gujarat. Additionally, a Centre of Excellence for telecom security and a Malware Lab for cyber security have been set up at NFSU Gandhinagar.

During the programme, Shri Ashish Thacker also shared updates on the progress of the 4G Saturation Project under the Digital Bharat Nidhi, aimed at expanding mobile connectivity to remote and uncovered villages in the state. He informed that under the BharatNet project, 14,294 Gram Panchayats in Gujarat have been connected through optical fibre and FTTH connections have been provided. Under the Amended BharatNet Programme, ₹5,631 crore has been allocated for the state, which will enable 5 lakh rural FTTH connections.

Further, detailed information was provided about the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ platform, which helps protect citizens from cyber fraud, misuse of SIM cards issued in their name, and assists in the recovery of stolen mobile handsets.

Information was also shared regarding the work carried out under CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) and TAFCOP, including the blocking and recovery of a large number of mobile handsets and resolution of SIM-related grievances. Details were also provided about the CHAKSHU facility and the Call Before You Dig (CBuD) platform, which are important for telecom infrastructure protection and citizen safety.

Additionally, it was informed that the department is conducting awareness programmes in colleges, government and private institutions, and among civil society to widely promote citizen-centric schemes. A facilitation centre is also operational at Gujarat LSA to guide stakeholders interested in providing ISP services.

The department reiterated that “Surakshit Sewayen” (Secure Services) is its core motto and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure, transparent, and reliable telecom services to every citizen of the state.

SM/DK/GP/JD

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