In a shocking revelation, concerns are rising over the government’s recent decision to shift its official email services from the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to private company ZOHO. The move has sparked allegations of misuse of public funds, with claims that the government will now pay nearly ₹1 crore annually for a service that was previously provided free of cost by NIC.
For years, government officials and departments relied on NIC emails — secure, efficient, and managed within national data infrastructure. The sudden transition to ZOHO, a private firm, has drawn criticism from both the public and digital transparency advocates. They question the rationale behind abandoning a cost-free, government-managed platform in favor of a paid private alternative.
Experts warn that this decision could compromise data sovereignty, as sensitive government communication may now pass through a private corporate network. Many argue that the change lacks transparency and may point toward favoritism or mismanagement.
The opposition has also demanded a thorough investigation into the deal, labeling it as another “hidden scam” that benefits corporate interests under the guise of modernization. Meanwhile, ZOHO has yet to issue a formal response addressing public concern or clarifying the terms of the government contract.
The controversy raises a broader question about the government’s digital strategy — should critical public communication tools be outsourced when robust in-house systems like NIC already exist? Until clear answers emerge, the issue continues to fuel debate on accountability, transparency, and data security within the nation’s e-governance framework.
