Understanding the NDNC Registry: A Guide to Controlling Unwanted Telemarketing Calls in India

May 2, 2023

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Understanding the National Do Not Call Registry (NDNC)

In today’s world, telemarketing calls have become a major nuisance for people, who often find themselves interrupted by unsolicited calls while going about their daily routine. To address this problem, the National Do Not Call (NDNC) registry was introduced in India in 2007, to help people curb unwanted telemarketing calls. In this blog, we will explore what the NDNC registry is and how it works.

What is the NDNC Registry?

The NDNC registry is a list of telephone numbers that telemarketers are not allowed to call. The registry is managed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and is applicable to all telemarketers in the country, including banks, insurance companies, and other businesses.

How Does the NDNC Registry Work?

To add your number to the NDNC registry, you can either call or send an SMS to a dedicated number provided by TRAI. Once your number is registered, it becomes illegal for telemarketers to call you unless you have given them explicit consent to do so.

Telemarketers are required to check the NDNC registry before making any calls. If a number is registered in the NDNC registry, the telemarketer is not allowed to call that number. Violating this rule can result in fines and penalties for the telemarketer.

Exceptions to the NDNC Registry

There are some exceptions to the NDNC registry. For example, telemarketers are allowed to call numbers that belong to their existing customers, as well as those who have given explicit consent to receive telemarketing calls. In addition, calls related to charity, surveys, and political campaigns are also exempt from the NDNC registry.

What Should You Do if You Still Receive Unsolicited Calls?

If you still receive unsolicited calls despite being registered on the NDNC registry, you can file a complaint with TRAI. The complaint can be filed online, and you will need to provide details of the call, such as the date, time, and number from which the call was made.

Benefits of the NDNC Registry

The NDNC registry has several benefits for consumers, such as:

Reduced Telemarketing Calls: By registering on the NDNC registry, consumers can avoid unwanted telemarketing calls and enjoy greater privacy.
Control Over Information: Consumers can control who has access to their personal information and who can contact them.
Protection Against Fraud: The NDNC registry helps to reduce fraudulent calls that try to scam people into giving away their personal and financial information.
Easy Registration: Registering on the NDNC registry is a simple process that can be done online or by sending an SMS.
Complaint Mechanism: In case of any violation of NDNC regulations, consumers can file a complaint with TRAI, and appropriate action is taken against the telemarketers.

Challenges of the NDNC Registry

While the NDNC registry has been effective in reducing telemarketing calls, it has also faced some challenges, such as:

Exemptions: As mentioned earlier, there are some exemptions to the NDNC registry, such as calls related to charity, surveys, and political campaigns, which can still be a nuisance for some people.
Lack of Awareness: Many people are not aware of the NDNC registry and how to register their numbers. This can lead to them receiving unwanted telemarketing calls.
Non-compliance: Some telemarketers do not follow the NDNC regulations and continue to make unsolicited calls to registered numbers. This can be frustrating for consumers who have taken the effort to register their numbers.

Conclusion

The NDNC registry is an important tool for consumers who want to avoid unwanted telemarketing calls. By registering their numbers, consumers can enjoy greater privacy and control over their personal information. While the NDNC registry has faced some challenges, it remains an effective way to reduce telemarketing calls and protect consumers from fraud.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NDNC registry?

The NDNC registry is a list of telephone numbers that telemarketers are not allowed to call without explicit consent. It was introduced in India in 2007 to help people curb unwanted telemarketing calls.

Who manages the NDNC registry?

The NDNC registry is managed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

How can I add my number to the NDNC registry?

You can add your number to the NDNC registry by calling or sending an SMS to a dedicated number provided by TRAI. Once your number is registered, it becomes illegal for telemarketers to call you without your consent.

Are there any exceptions to the NDNC registry?

Yes, there are some exceptions to the NDNC registry. Telemarketers are allowed to call numbers belonging to their existing customers, as well as those who have given explicit consent to receive telemarketing calls. Calls related to charity, surveys, and political campaigns are also exempt from the NDNC registry.

What should I do if I still receive unsolicited calls despite being registered on the NDNC registry?

Can I remove my number from the NDNC registry?

Yes, you can remove your number from the NDNC registry if you no longer wish to be registered. You can do this by calling or sending an SMS to the dedicated number provided by TRAI.