Guidelines for allocation of registration at the third level under GOV.IN domain zone

## Report on Revised Guidelines for Allocation of Registration at the Third Level Under .GOV.IN Domain Zone **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) concerning the allocation of registrations at the third level under the .GOV.IN domain zone. This amendment, effective from 23/10/2019, revises previous guidelines (F. No.L13142014IGD dtd. 06042015) to cater to evolving requirements and provide greater clarity in .GOV.IN domain registration. Key changes involve specific eligibility criteria, explicitly excluding certain entities (Educational, Financial Institutions, PSUs, Autonomous Bodies, Local Self-Governments etc.) from direct registration while providing mechanisms for subdomain registration. The report details these changes, affected stakeholders, inferred implementation aspects, and expected outcomes. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the revised guidelines for allocation of registration at the third level under the .GOV.IN domain zone, as issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on 23/10/2019. This analysis is based solely on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This document represents a revision/amendment of existing guidelines issued vide F. No.L13142014IGD dtd. 06042015. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objectives of this amendment are: * To address the rapidly growing requirements for the .GOV.IN domain. * To provide greater clarity regarding eligibility for registration under the .GOV.IN domain at the third level. * To define entities eligible for registration, and the process for entities that are no longer directly eligible. **4. Background and Rationale:** The text states the previous guidelines (F. No.L13142014IGD dtd. 06042015.) are being revised to cater to the rapidly growing requirements of the .GOV.IN domain, indicating potential issues such as: * Lack of clarity in eligibility criteria leading to misinterpretations or inconsistencies. * The need to align the registration process with current and future demands of the Indian government. * A need to rationalize the domain space, potentially due to its overuse or misuse by ineligible entities. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section focuses specifically on the changes introduced by the provided amendment text. The core change is a narrowing of eligibility for direct .GOV.IN domain registration at the third level and clarifying a pathway for subdomain registration. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The original policy defined the eligibility criteria for .GOV.IN registration. This amendment directly modifies and clarifies this eligibility. * **New Rule/Provision:** * **Eligibility:** The amendment redefines eligibility, limiting direct third-level registration under .GOV.IN to specific entities like Apex Offices (President, Vice President, Prime Minister), Ministries/Departments of the Government of India, State Governments/Union Territories, Parliament of India, and Judicial Bodies (Supreme Court, High Courts, Tribunals). * **Ineligibility:** Explicitly states that generic domain names, individual person's names, Educational Institutions, Financial Institutions/Banks/PSUs, Autonomous Societies/Bodies/Projects/Schemes/Events/Committees, Apex offices of the State/UT, Ministries/Departments of State Governments and Union Territories, their attached/subordinate offices and their Directorates and the Statutory Bodies of such Ministries/Departments, Local Self Governments and its attached offices, Subordinate Courts, CommissionsCouncils created by statute/executive order of or by the executive order of the State UT Governments are ineligible for registration under .GOV.IN domain zone at the third level. * **Subdomain Option:** While these ineligible entities cannot directly register under .GOV.IN, the amendment allows for consideration by their respective Ministries/Departments of the Government of India State Governments/UTs for registration at the appropriate level as a subdomain under their respective domain zones. * **Effect of the Change:** * **Centralization of .GOV.IN:** The changes centralize the .GOV.IN domain space to core governmental functions, potentially improving manageability and security. * **Decentralized Subdomains:** Pushes other government-related entities to operate under subdomains of their parent organizations, potentially promoting a more structured and organized online presence. * **Alternative Domains:** Encourages educational and research institutions to use .EDU.IN, .RES.IN or .AC.IN domains. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders directly affected by these changes are: * Ministries/Departments of the Government of India at the central and state level * Apex Offices such as Offices of the Honble President of India, Honble Vice President of India, Honble Prime Minister of India. * Parliament of India including both the houses and offices of their speaker chairman. * Judicial Bodies * State Governments and Union Territories of India * Educational Institutions, Research and Academic Institutions. * Financial InstitutionsBanks and PSUsUndertakings of Government of IndiaState GovernmentsUTs * Autonomous Societies Bodies Projects Schemes Events Committees of Government of IndiaState GovernmentsUTs * Apex offices of the StateUT such as those of the offices of the Governor Lt. Governor Administrator Chief Minister and the State Legislature such as Legislative AssemblyLegislative Council etc. * MinistriesDepartments of State Governments and Union Territories constituting the Union of India, their attachedsubordinate offices and their Directorates and the Statutory Bodies of such MinistriesDepartments * Local Self Governments * Attached offices of Local Self Government Institutions * Subordinate Courts * CommissionsCouncils created by statuteexecutive order of or by the executive order of the State UT Governments **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agencies:** * **NIC (National Informatics Centre):** Continues to be the authorized registrar for .GOV.IN. * **MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology):** Oversees the policy and can grant exceptions. A committee comprising Director MeitY, representative of NIC Representative of National Internet Exchange of India NIXI will review the assigning of .GOV.IN domain names at the third level from time to time. The SecretaryMeitY on receipt of such requests from the Secretary concerned of the Government Organizations as provided for in para 2.1 can also be granted exceptions. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The guidelines come into effect immediately (23/10/2019). * Existing allocations will continue until alternative allocations and migration plans are developed in consultation with NIC and MeitY. * Domains that are not activated within one year may be withdrawn after issuing notices. * Domains found in violation of guidelines may be suspended after notice and an opportunity to rectify the violation. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these changes are: * **Improved Domain Management:** A more streamlined and centrally controlled .GOV.IN domain space. * **Enhanced Security:** Reduced risk of misuse by ineligible entities and easier enforcement of security protocols. * **Better Organization:** A more structured government online presence with clearer lines of authority and responsibility. * **Standardization:** Consistent with .IN Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy INDRP and standard domain naming conventions and WHOIS safeguards. **9. Conclusion:** The revised guidelines for .GOV.IN domain registration represent a significant update to existing policy. By narrowing eligibility criteria and providing a pathway for subdomains, MeitY aims to enhance the manageability, security, and overall organization of the .GOV.IN domain space. The transition period allows for existing allocations to be migrated, minimizing disruption. The implementation of these guidelines will require careful coordination between NIC, MeitY, and various government entities to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

Key Entities Referenced