Three Indian "Sanchar Mitras" Named ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) facilitated the selection of three "Sanchar Mitras"—Ankit Kumar Pal, Manish Kumar Mandal, and Susmita Sen—into the third cohort of ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys for the 2026–2030 period. The Generation Connect initiative aims to make youth active participants in ICT, digital transformation, and digital inclusion. The Sanchar Mitra scheme focuses on raising awareness about telecom fraud, mobile security, and cybersecurity through the youth. This scheme is designed for students in technical institutions offering programs in Telecom, Electronics, and Computer Science, and is implemented across more than 200 institutions. This development coincides with International Youth Day 2026, themed "Diverse Contexts, Shared Aspirations." For UPSC aspirants, this topic relates to Digital Inclusion, Youth Empowerment, Skill Development, and Cyber Security.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has facilitated the selection of three Sanchar Mitras as ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys (GCYE) for the 2026–2030 term. The selected youths are Ankit Kumar Pal (Delhi), Manish Kumar Mandal (Bengaluru), and Susmita Sen (Guwahati). This selection is part of the third cohort of the ITU's global program.
Generation Connect Youth Envoys Program
The Generation Connect initiative aims to engage youth as active participants in the process of digital transformation. Under this program, youth representatives contribute at a global level to areas such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), digital transformation, and digital inclusion. For UPSC purposes, this topic can be linked to Digital India, the Digital Divide, and Inclusive Digital Transformation.
Sanchar Mitra Scheme: A Medium for Digital Awareness
The Sanchar Mitra scheme is a youth-centric initiative by the Department of Telecommunications aimed at fostering digital empowerment among the youth. It serves to raise awareness regarding telecom fraud, mobile security, and cybersecurity. This initiative plays a crucial role in addressing the cyber risks that arise alongside the increasing digital adoption in India.
Participation of Technical Institutions and Youth
The 'Sanchar Mitra' scheme involves students from technical institutions that offer programs related to telecommunications, electronics, or computer science. The scheme is being implemented across all states and Union Territories through Licensed Service Area (LSA) field offices and includes over 200 partner technical institutions. It exemplifies the collaboration between the government and technical educational institutions.
Connection to International Youth Day 2026
The selection of these youths was announced on the occasion of International Youth Day 2026. The theme for this occasion is "Diverse Contexts, Shared Aspirations." From a UPSC perspective, this theme relates to broad issues such as youth empowerment, digital inclusion, skill development, and the global participation of youth.
ITU: An Important International Organization for UPSC
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations' specialized agency for information and communication technologies. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it was established in 1865. The ITU plays a crucial role regarding global telecommunication standards, the international coordination of radio-frequency spectrum, and digital connectivity.
