National Informatics Center has launched an instant messaging platform called 'Sandesh'. For registration on this platform, the user has to have a valid mobile number or email id, which cannot be changed, to do this the user has to be registered as a new user.
The interface in the message instant messaging app is the same as other apps. Although it does not have the option to transfer chat history between the two platforms, back-up storage of chat can be done on users' email.
It was launched in August 2020 to ensure secure communication among employees working from home due to Covid-19. This app was initially only for the use of government employees, which has now been made public.
An additional security feature is available in the 'Sandesh' platform, through which the user can mark a message confidentially. This will let the message recipient know that the received message is not to be shared with anyone else.
It is known that the Ministry of Home Affairs had advised all government employees not to use platforms like Zoom for official communication due to security issues, after which the need for such an app was felt.