India Shifts 12 Lakh Government Emloyees’ Email Accounts to Zoho
India’s Central government is adopting Zoho for official communication, marking a shift toward self-reliance in technology. Over the past year, 12 lakh government email accounts, including those used by the PMO, have migrated from the NIC platform to Zoho’s system, as per a report.
This move underlines the country’s growing focus on Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring sensitive government data stays within the nation’s borders. Though the domain names remain under nic.in and gov.in, the hosting and processing now take place through Zoho’s secure cloud infrastructure.
From Emails to Office Tools: A Complete Suite
To enhance digital efficiency, the government has also urged employees to use the Zoho Office Suite, which includes tools for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. This step discourages officials from using open-source platforms that might compromise file security.
The Ministry of Education recently circulated an internal order encouraging staff to explore Zoho’s productivity tools. The communication linked this shift to India’s larger goal of becoming a product nation powered by home-grown innovation.
Security Oversight and Data Protection
Given the sensitivity of government communication, security agencies like NIC and CERT-In have rigorously vetted Zoho’s systems. Regular audits by Software Quality Systems (SQS) ensure that all data remains safely stored and compliant with India’s digital protection standards.
Experts have noted the importance of end-to-end encryption and independent audits of data centers within India. The government has responded by tightening its protocols and ensuring secure access for all users.
Arattai: Home-Grown Alternative to WhatsApp
The evolution towards Zoho goes beyond email. Recently, officials also spotlighted Arattai — Zoho’s messaging application — as a Desi alternative to WhatsApp. Arattai emphasizes privacy, and Zoho’s founder Sridhar Vembu has assured that user data is not accessed or used for advertising.
By linking government adoption to apps like Arattai, India is encouraging a larger ecosystem of secure, Indian-built communication tools. This initiative strengthens digital sovereignty while showcasing confidence in domestic innovation.
Strengthening India’s Digital Future
The partnership with Zoho follows India’s call to reduce foreign software dependence, especially after major cyber incidents such as the 2022 ransomware attack at AIIMS Delhi. The Digital India Corporation’s bid in 2023 aimed to bring private players onboard for managing cloud-based systems, and Zoho emerged as a key partner.
Now, India’s bold move to host official email and digital productivity on Zoho’s platform reflects progress toward a secure, sovereign digital future. It demonstrates how domestic technology is taking center stage in building trust, safety, and independence at scale.
