Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) Portal

Prelims: Public policy| Government Initiatives | Current events of national and international importance.

Why in news?

Telangana has emerged as the top-performing state in India in recovering lost or stolen mobile phones through the CEIR portal, with over 78,000 devices recovered as of May 2025.

• CEIR Portal – It is a crucial digital tool designed to recover mobile phones by blocking, tracking and managing lost or stolen devices.
• Launched by - Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Purpose - To combat mobile phone theft and loss by blocking, tracking, and managing lost or stolen devices through their IMEI numbers.

Key Features of CEIR Portal

• IMEI Blocking - The portal enables blocking of mobile phones by blacklisting their unique IMEI numbers.
• Once blocked, these devices become unusable on any cellular network in India, regardless of SIM card changes.
• Centralized Database - CEIR maintains a centralized database accessible to all telecom operators, ensuring consistent enforcement of device blocking and tracking nationwide.
• Device Status Lists - The portal manages three lists -
  • White List - Devices allowed on networks
  • Black List - Lost, stolen, or unauthorized devices banned from networks
  • Grey List - Devices with pending status for verification

• Tracking Lost Phones - CEIR integrates advanced tracking technology to aid in locating and recovering lost or stolen mobile phones.
• Coordination with RPF and Police - The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other law enforcement agencies can use CEIR to block stolen devices quickly, reducing illegal resale and possession.
• Citizen-Friendly Reporting - Users can report lost or stolen devices via the CEIR portal or integrated police portals, facilitating swift action and recovery.

Reference

The Indian Express| CEIR portal