Education Ministry Directs Officials to Use Zoho Office Suite After Minister’s Endorsement
The Education Ministry has made a significant move toward digital self-reliance by instructing its officials to utilize the Zoho Office Suite for all official tasks. This decision follows Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s endorsement of Zoho’s indigenous messaging app, Arattari, aligning with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
In a circular issued by the Department of Higher Education, the ministry directed staff members to create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations exclusively using the Zoho Office Suite. The directive also highlighted the importance of utilizing Zoho’s collaborative tools to enhance teamwork, streamline workflows, and improve communication within government departments.
A key benefit of this initiative is the seamless integration of Zoho with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) mail platform. This integration enables officials to access the office suite without requiring additional logins or installations, ensuring both convenience and security. Senior officials have described this shift as a “bold step,” as it not only strengthens India’s homegrown tech ecosystem but also reduces reliance on foreign software providers.
This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to promote indigenous digital solutions across various ministries. Previously, IT and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that he personally uses Zoho’s office suite for official tasks, setting a positive example for the adoption of Indian technology in governance.
The Education Ministry believes that utilizing the Zoho Office Suite will significantly enhance data security, scalability, and productivity while ensuring that sensitive government information remains within a trusted domestic framework. By endorsing locally developed platforms, the government reinforces its commitment to digital sovereignty and innovation.
The adoption of Zoho Office Suite is expected to motivate other ministries and departments to follow suit, creating a ripple effect across the administrative landscape. It also reflects India’s growing confidence in its tech industry, which has been rapidly innovating to provide world-class alternatives to global digital tools.
With this initiative, the Education Ministry has not only modernized its digital operations but also delivered a strong message in support of India’s tech entrepreneurs. This step marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered nation, firmly grounded in the principles of self-reliance and innovation.
