BHUBANESWAR: Amid a surge in cyber crimes and growing concerns over data security across the country, the Odisha government has decided to make use of official email IDs mandatory for all government communication to ensure safe exchange of classified information and prevent data breaches.
As part of the new initiative, the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) has developed an indigenous and comprehensive email and groupware solution hosted entirely within the Odisha state data centre.
Sources said the platform integrates official e-mail services using the domain @odisha.gov.in along with other collaboration tools, including calendar, tasks, notes, contacts, drive, video conferencing and e-diary functionalities.
The email solution is fully compatible with mobile devices and can be configured on smartphones through standard mail applications, offering functionality similar to widely used enterprise platforms such as Gmail and Outlook.
After developing the state-of-the-art platform, the Electronics and IT (E&IT) department has urged all departments, district collectors and field-level offices to adopt and use the government domain and mail id for all official correspondence.
Principal secretary of E&IT department Vishal Kumar Dev said the government is strengthening its digital governance framework with focus on secure, reliable and standardised communication systems across the state administration.
“The move will help ensure a secure and integrated digital environment, authenticated communication, centralised record management and enhanced cyber security by keeping official data within state-owned digital infrastructure,” he said.
Departments have been advised to obtain bulk creation of individual and designation-based email IDs by writing to OCAC with details such as employee name, designation, mobile number and place of posting. Officers can also apply individually through the self-service portal at https://registermail.odisha.gov.in.
The IT department has also directed officers to use AALAPA video conferencing solution, which is an indigenous software-based collaboration platform for internal communication and official virtual meetings among the state government’s various departments.
Hosted within the state data centre, AALAPA ensures high levels of data security and protection and is accessible only to authorised government officers. Its adoption will significantly reduce dependence on external video conferencing platforms, while remaining free of cost for all government users, sources said.
This apart, the government has also unveiled the e-Diary application as a digital alternative to physical diaries. Developed by OCAC, the application supports diary entries, scheduling, calendar synchronisation and access to essential government information. It will be provided free to all officers.