Private e-mail ids used for official communication
WHEN we mentioned the fact that many Revenue officers were using private e-mails for official communication, we had to face the wrath of some officers for our stupid criticism. But we had a pleasant surprise the other day when we received a call from a senior Commissioner who appreciated us for raising the issue. He said that he insisted on all the officers in his Commissionerate to use the official e-mail id. He said that the DG, Systems had provided e-mail ids to all the officers and there was no reason why they should not use them. I told him, “maybe the official e-mail system was not very convenient and user friendly and that is why officers were not using it”. He said, “come on I have been using it for the last eight years without any problem; we have to persuade our officers to use it and that is why I liked your coverage of the issue.” He had absolutely no anger or complaint against the officers who refuse to use the official e-mail, he says they have to be convinced about its use and security and then they will use it.
We also have pointed out this only from the security angle and when the government has a capable and secure email server, what is the problem in using it? When you use a private email server, you have no control over data and many others may have control and access. The email service from NIC is called nicemail – It is certainly a nice mail – if you use it.
Technology is like fire – it is a good servant but a bad master.