Sandes, the name given to Government Instant Messaging System (GIMS), is currently limited to officials in different ministries, but a public rollout cannot be ruled out.

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Back in 2020, the Centre had revealed plans to develop a WhatsApp-like messaging platform. Apparently, the application is ready and is being tested by officials in several ministries. Government officials have reportedly started using an Indian alternative to WhatsApp, which goes by the name of Sandes.

Officials have already started using the 'Government Instant Messaging System' (GIMS). This system has been named "Sandes", as confirmed by the official GIMS website, https://www.gims.gov.in/ . 

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The GIMS opening page has directions to access the app, including sign-in LDAP, sign-in with Sandes OTP, and Sandes web. On tapping on any of the options, the page shows a message that reads, "This authentication method is applicable for authorized Govt officials."

With potential security risks the application is meant to migrate government employees from social media networks. As of now, Sandes can exclusively be used by government officials, however, a public rollout later cannot be ruled out.

According to GIMs, Sandes app can be run on both iOS and Android platforms. It also supports voice and data messages, similar to other modern-day chatting apps. The Sandes app's backend is handled by National Informatics Centre (NIC), which comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. NIC provides the infrastructure to support the delivery of government IT services and the delivery of some of Digital India's initiatives.

Sandes has come at a time when WhatsApp users are moving to other instant messaging platforms after the Facebook-owned app introduced is new privacy policy, which will share more of their data to its parent company.