Odisha govt mandates indigenous email, video conferencing platforms for official work

In a major push towards strengthening digital governance and data security, the Odisha government has decided to mandate the use of indigenous email and video conferencing platforms for official administrative work across the state.

As part of the initiative, a home-grown email system developed by the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) will now be used for official communication. In addition, an indigenous video conferencing platform named ‘Alap’, also developed by OCAC, has been introduced and made mandatory for government meetings and interactions.

The move is aimed at ensuring enhanced security of government data, as all related data centres will be located within Odisha. Officials said this will significantly reduce dependence on external or third-party hosting platforms while safeguarding sensitive administrative information.

The new systems will be implemented across all levels of administration, from block and district offices to the state headquarters. Officers will be able to access and use the platforms easily through their smartphones and other digital devices.

In this regard, the Information Technology Department has issued formal instructions to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries of various departments, and District Collectors, directing them to ensure adoption of the indigenous platforms.

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Officials said the initiative marks the beginning of a new phase in Odisha’s administrative functioning, aligning governance with secure, self-reliant digital infrastructure while promoting the use of locally developed technology.