PM Sushila Karki’s Social Media Announcement Raises Questions Over Email Practice
6th October 2025, Kathmandu
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) recently announced the official social media accounts of Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
However, the announcement has drawn attention and criticism for listing Gmail addresses instead of official government domain emails, raising a major concern over the use of Gmail instead of an official domain in Nepal’s highest executive office.
PM Sushila Karki’s Official Social Media Accounts
According to the press release issued by the OPMCM, the Prime Minister’s verified social media handles are as follows:
X (Twitter): @pmsushilakarki
Facebook: PM Sushila Karki ([email protected])
Instagram: pm.sushila.karki ([email protected])
The release, signed by Rabilal Sharma, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the OPMCM, stated that these are the only official accounts through which the Prime Minister’s office will communicate authentic information and policy updates.
Public Concern Over Use of Gmail Instead of Official Domain
Soon after the announcement, experts and digital governance observers expressed concern over the use of Gmail instead of the official domain in the Prime Minister’s communication details.
The use of “[email protected]
” For official correspondence has sparked a discussion on digital security, policy compliance, and professionalism within Nepal’s federal governance system.
Cybersecurity professionals argue that using free email services like Gmail for high-level government communication exposes the nation to data security risks, potential identity spoofing, and trust issues.
Government Email Policy Exists, But Not Enforced
The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) under the Government of Nepal has already developed a Government Email Policy, mandating all ministries, departments, and offices to use official domain-based email addresses (such as @opmcm.gov.np, @pm.gov.np, or @nepal.gov.np).
However, the apparent non-implementation of this policy even at the Prime Minister’s Office level, raises questions about policy enforcement and accountability.
Analysts suggest that this reflects a systemic gap between policy creation and execution — either the DoIT has not effectively enforced its own standards, or government institutions have not prioritized cybersecurity compliance.
Why Official Domains Are Important
Experts emphasize that official domain-based email systems are crucial for:
Strengthening cybersecurity and data protection
Ensuring authenticity and official verification
Preventing phishing or impersonation risks
Enhancing public trust and transparency
Representing the credibility of government institutions
“The Prime Minister’s Office should set an example by using an official domain-based email system,” said one cybersecurity analyst. “It’s not just about technology, it’s about trust, governance, and national digital identity.”
The Way Forward
As Nepal moves toward a Digital Government framework, experts believe that strict enforcement of the DoIT’s email policy is essential.
Government offices, particularly at the Prime Minister’s level, should lead by example by transitioning all digital communications to secure, verified, government-controlled email domains.
Conclusion
The announcement of Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s social media accounts is a welcome step for transparency. However, the continued use of Gmail for official purposes highlights a significant policy gap.
The Government of Nepal and DoIT must act swiftly to enforce the official email domain policy, ensuring cybersecurity, authenticity, and best digital governance practices.
For more: PM Sushila Karki’s Social Media Announcement
