Communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified that the government-mandated Sanchar Saathi app can be removed by users. His remarks came a day after the Centre’s order to pre-install the app on all smartphones triggered a wave of privacy concerns. Speaking to ANI on December 2, Scindia said, “If you don’t want Sanchar Saathi, you can delete it. It is optional,” adding that the government’s responsibility is only to introduce the app, not force people to retain it.
The app is promoted as a tool to verify the authenticity of devices and help trace lost phones. However, privacy advocates and Opposition parties have criticised the directive as a form of state surveillance. Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has even sought an adjournment motion in the Rajya Sabha to debate the issue.
BJP MP Shashank Mani Tripathi defended the decision, claiming the app strengthens digital safety. Yet Congress leader Shashi Tharoor noted that making any app compulsory in a democracy is problematic and urged the government to explain its rationale openly.
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju accused the Opposition of creating disruptions, even as they push for debates on voter roll revisions, national security, and pollution, leading to repeated deadlocks in Parliament.