Centre ends robocall campaign led by Amitabh Bachchan on cybercrimes
Jun 27, 2025 06:48 AM IST
For months, millions of Indians heard the unmistakable baritone of Amitabh Bachchan every time they made a phone call, warning them about cybercrime and urging them to dial 1930 in case they fall prey to digital arrest scam. Initially, a generic version of the robocall was launched for 90 days. This was later followed by a 60-day extension with Amitabh Bachchan's voice (AFP)
But, as of June 25, the campaign has come to an end, officials aware of the matter said.
The campaign was launched by the Union home ministry's Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The robocall campaign was launched soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the matter of digital arrest scams during his Mann Ki Baat address in October 2024.
An official who worked closely on the initiative told Hindustan Times that the government has ended the campaign as of June 25. While the initiative drew attention for its high-profile voiceover, it wasn't without criticism. 'We did receive some negative feedback, particularly about delays in emergency calls getting through,' the official cited above said, hinting that this was one of the reasons for not renewing the campaign further.
The campaign was created to increase public awareness about digital scams as they continue to become more complex. A recent study, titled Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom 2025, by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation (MoSPI) found that while internet use in India is reaching saturation levels, only 18% of users know how to report a cybercrime.
Initially, a generic version of the robocall was launched for 90 days. This was later followed by a 60-day extension with Bachchan's voice. During the campaign, the robocall was rolled out in regional languages and aired 7-8 times a day by telecom providers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Amit Shah, CM review ministers' work, party coordination
1 2 Jaipur: In a significant political development Saturday, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's second visit to Delhi within five days fuelled speculation about imminent changes in the state's political landscape. The chief minister held an hour-long closed-door meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah , following his earlier meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday. While the Chief Minister's Office maintains these visits are routine, party insiders suggest otherwise. "Such back-to-back meetings with both PM Modi and HM Shah are rarely about routine work. They indicate high-level political recalibration," a senior BJP source revealed. The meetings are said to have centred on crucial issues, including potential political appointments, internal party coordination and governance concerns. Sources confirm that performance reports of several state ministers were reviewed during the meeting with Shah, indicating possible administrative changes ahead. Adding to the political intrigue is the growing internal friction within the state BJP, highlighted by former chief minister Vasundhara Raje 's recent criticism of the govt's handling of the Jhalawar school tragedy in which seven children died. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola The central leadership has advised CM Sharma to improve coordination with senior party leaders, including Raje and other prominent state figures. While immediate cabinet changes are not expected, sources suggest potential party organisation restructuring could follow Shah's proposed visit to Rajasthan in the coming months. The party is also considering appointing a new BJP general secretary (organisation) in Rajasthan to better streamline govt-party coordination. "Talks extended to the formation of a new team under BJP state president Madan Rathore and proposed changes in the state organisation," a source said. The developments come amid concerns over the chief minister's leadership style and public image, with party sources noting "growing concern over the CM's grip on governance and lack of political narrative." As Sharma returns to Jaipur Sunday, these high-level meetings have set the stage for what could be significant changes in Rajasthan's political landscape in the coming months. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Chouhan warns of strict action for black marketing of fertilisers
Patna: Union agriculture and farmers' welfare minister on Saturday warned that strict action would be taken against those found selling fertilisers on the black market in Bihar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "They will be sent to jail," he said. Speaking at an event in Patna held to mark the payment of the 20th instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana by pm Narendra Modi, Chouhan SAID fertilisers must reach farmers without fail. "If someone is found selling fertilisers on the black market, he should be sent to jail immediately. Strict action will be taken against those selling fake seeds and fertilisers," he said. Chouhan also appealed to farmers to embrace indigenous products. "The path to a self-reliant India is possible only by using indigenous products. Make 'Vocal for Local' a mass movement and strengthen the country's economy," he said. Taking a swipe at the opposition, Chouhan said, "Congress and RJD never deposited money in the bank accounts of farmers. Schemes like crop insurance are the gift of the Modi govt." Extending greetings ahead of Rakshabandhan, he said, "I wish all the women farmers a happy Rakshabandhan in advance. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and this scheme is infusing new energy into the lives of farmers." Reflecting on earlier challenges faced by farmers, he said, "Earlier, farmers had to take money on interest. Today, it is being deposited directly into their bank accounts. There is an effort to increase the production per hectare of farmers." Highlighting Bihar's potential, he said, "Most of the makhana is produced in Bihar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Makhana Board is ready and will be operational soon. Now, research will be done in villages and not in Delhi." "Today, more than 11 crore farmers are getting direct assistance of ₹6,000 per year without any discrimination and middlemen. Lakhs of farmers in Bihar are benefiting from this and are working with new consciousness in their fields," he added. State agriculture minister and deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha praised the farming community. "Hardworking farmers not only produce food but also drive the country's progress.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Kishan demands Congress govt to scrap Muslim quota
Hyderabad: Union minister G Kishan Reddy on Saturday demanded the Congress govt to implement 42% quota exclusively for Backward Classes (BCs) in Telangana. He alleged that the Congress govt was discussing the BC reservation only to gain political advantage in the upcoming local body elections. "Now, under the proposed 42% quota, 10% is allocated to Muslims, leaving the actual BCs with only 32%," Kishan Reddy said while speaking at a dharna programme organised by the OBC Morcha of BJP at Indira Park on Saturday. The Union minister also alleged that Congress failed to conduct a proper caste survey, especially in Greater Hyderabad. He questioned why Congress did not conduct a caste census when it was in power at the Centre and in the state. "The Congress had never appointed a BC as either Prime Minister or chief minister. However, the BJP made a BC leader as PM, and chief ministers of several states are from BC communities, and included 27 BC ministers in the Union cabinet," he said. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad He took strong objection to the remarks of chief minister A Revanth Reddy that Narendra Modi was a 'converted BC'. He said that Modi's caste was included under the BC category in Gujarat by the then Congress govt, not by the BJP. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo "Even Banjaras and Goldsmith were included in the ST and BC categories. Would you call them 'converted STs and BCs too?" Kishan Reddy asked. Meanwhile, BJP state president N Ramchander Rao said the party would oppose reservations based on religion and demanded the scrapping of the 10% quota for Muslims. "The Revanth Reddy govt is trying to politicise the issue of BC reservations by planning a dharna at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, as it is unable to implement the promised 42% BC quota in the state. To cover its inefficiency and failures, the Congress is blaming the Centre and the BJP govt," he said. BJP leaders A Maheshwar Reddy, Eatala Rajender, R Krishnaiah, NVSS Prabhakar, and others spoke at the meeting. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
