CEIR and Its National Role
Telangana’s Digital Triumph in Mobile Recovery: The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) is an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications. It was launched to help citizens trace and recover lost or stolen mobile phones using their device’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. Once a complaint is registered on the portal, the phone gets blocked across all Indian networks, ensuring it cannot be misused. Law enforcement agencies can then track the device and, after ownership verification, unblock it for return to the rightful owner.
Static GK fact: The CEIR portal was first launched in September 2022 as a pilot project in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, and the Northeastern states.
Telangana’s Leadership in Recovery
Telangana has set a national benchmark in mobile phone recovery. As of October 16, 2025, the state has recovered over 1,00,000 lost or stolen phones, making it the top-performing state in India under the CEIR initiative. This achievement reflects strong digital governance and efficient police coordination.
Static GK Tip: Telangana was formed on June 2, 2014, as India’s 29th state, with Hyderabad as its capital.
Hyderabad and Other Leading Districts
Within Telangana, the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate leads with 14,965 phones traced and returned. The districts of Warangal (5,564), Kamareddy (3,860), Suryapet (2,267), Rajanna Sircilla (2,074), and Jogulamba Gadwal (1,998) also contributed significantly. These figures demonstrate the success of integrating technology-driven policing with citizen participation.
Static GK fact: Hyderabad Police is one of the oldest metropolitan police forces in India, established in 1847 during the Nizam era.
Citizen Participation and Awareness
The government’s continuous awareness campaigns have encouraged citizens to use the CEIR system effectively. People can report lost phones through either the Telangana Police Citizen Portal or directly on the CEIR official portal. This approach has improved data security, reduced mobile-related crimes, and enhanced public trust in digital services.
Static GK Tip: India’s total mobile subscriber base crossed 1.15 billion in 2024, making mobile security a national priority.
The Broader Impact
The CEIR initiative not only curbs the resale of stolen devices but also strengthens India’s digital policing ecosystem. Telangana’s success serves as a model for other states to emulate, combining technological innovation, citizen engagement, and effective governance to achieve large-scale public service results.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Telangana’s Digital Triumph in Mobile Recovery:
| Topic | Detail |
| Full form of CEIR | Central Equipment Identity Register |
| Implementing body | Department of Telecommunications (DoT) |
| Launch year | 2022 |
| Telangana CEIR recoveries (as of Oct 2025) | 1,00,020 phones |
| Leading district in recoveries | Hyderabad (14,965 phones) |
| Other top districts | Warangal, Kamareddy, Suryapet, Rajanna Sircilla, Jogulamba Gadwal |
| Telangana’s rank in CEIR recoveries | First in India |
| Portal access | CEIR official website and Telangana Police Citizen Portal |
| Objective of CEIR | To trace and block lost or stolen mobile phones using IMEI |
| Ministry in charge | Ministry of Communications |
