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
