Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday avoided commenting on instructions to pre-install Sanchar Sathi app on mobile phones and said he would debate the issue in the House.
He said, “I will not make any comment now; I will speak about this in the debate in the House.”
The DoT has directed manufacturers and importers to pre-install the app in mobile handsets and ensure that the app is visible and accessible when used for the first time, and cannot be deactivated.
For devices already in the market, companies have been asked to push the app through software updates.
According to the Telecom Ministry, the instructions issued on November 28 are aimed at protecting citizens from purchasing counterfeit handsets, ensuring easy reporting of suspected telecom misuse and improving the effectiveness of the Sanchar Sathi initiative.
Earlier today, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal criticized the government’s directive, calling it an “invasion of privacy”.
Speaking to ANI, Venugopal said, “This is an attack on privacy. That’s what it feels like. In the name of helping, the BJP is trying to attack the privacy of common people. We have already experienced Pegasus in India. The government is trying to monitor all the people in the country through this app.”
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chaudhary had also filed an adjournment motion in the House demanding discussion on the Sanchar Sathi app directive by the Department of Telecommunications.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, responding to opposition criticism of Sanchar Sathi app, urged parties not to create disruption in Parliament and assured that the government is ready for debate on all issues.
Speaking to ANI, Rijiju said, “They do not need to dig up issues. A list of business has been prepared, and there are many issues. We will also debate the issues raised by the opposition, and think how we have to move forward. They do not need to find new issues and disturb Parliament.”
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm amid uproar by opposition MPs over special intensive revision of voter list. Speaker Om Birla called opposition leaders and ministers for a meeting to end the disruption and restore order in the House.
