The first phase of WhatsApp Governance focuses on delivering 161 essential government services. These services range from obtaining certificates to accessing services like Anna Canteen, CM Relief Fund, APSRTC, and more.
Published Jan 30, 2025 | 8:36 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 30, 2025 | 8:36 PM
Andhra Pradesh's 'Mana Mitra' brings WhatsApp governance to the people (@naralokesh on X)
The Andhra Pradesh government has launched WhatsApp Governance under the initiative ‘Mana Mitra,’ becoming the first state in India to deliver government services through WhatsApp.
The platform is designed to make accessing public services easier, faster, and more convenient, especially for citizens who previously had to visit government offices for basic services.
WhatsApp Governance, branded as Mana Mitra, aims to provide government services and address grievances directly through WhatsApp, a widely used messaging app.
The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated the official WhatsApp number 95523 00009 for this initiative, which has been verified with a blue tick.
By integrating WhatsApp into public service delivery, citizens can resolve their issues from the comfort of their homes, without the need to physically visit government offices.
This initiative is expected to save time, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency in the delivery of government services.
The first phase of WhatsApp Governance focuses on delivering 161 essential government services. These services range from obtaining certificates to accessing services like Anna Canteen, CM Relief Fund, APSRTC, and more.
Citizens can request these services through the official WhatsApp number, streamlining the process and reducing the need for personal visits to government offices.
In addition to providing services, the platform will be used for official government announcements and information dissemination, ensuring that the public remains informed about important updates.
Public services on demand: From academic exam hall tickets to government certificates, citizens can access a wide range of services directly on WhatsApp.
Privacy and Security:
1. Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) will not make phone calls or store any data related to WhatsApp Governance services.
2. The Andhra Pradesh government will monitor and maintain the data servers, ensuring that user privacy is protected at all times.
3. Changes to government records, like name alterations, will undergo legal reviews before issuing certificates.
Ease of use: WhatsApp, being one of the most widely used apps in India, makes it easy for people, even those with limited technological knowledge, to access government services.
Cost-free services: All WhatsApp services are provided free of charge, except for specific services that require payment, such as booking certain government services.
Real-time service delivery: The government aims to offer services in real time, cutting down on waiting periods and inefficiencies traditionally associated with government procedures.
The first phase covers a wide range of services across various departments. Some of the key areas covered include:
The second phase, which will bring an additional 360 services, will continue to expand the initiative’s reach and capabilities.
The government plans to expand the initiative in two phases. In the second phase, an additional 360 services will be introduced.
By the end of the full rollout, over 520 services will be available via WhatsApp. A key feature of these services is the inclusion of QR codes on certificates, allowing easy verification and reducing the risk of fake documents.
IT Minister Nara Lokesh highlighted the initiative’s potential to eliminate inefficiencies in government service delivery. Lokesh explained how WhatsApp Governance will function.
He said, “The government is for the people, which is why we took this decision. During my padayatra, I met several people. In the past, even for a minor certificate, people had to run from office to office. WhatsApp is a commonly used phone application, and we are bringing 360 services to the people through this interface. WhatsApp Governance will prevent the issuance of fake certificates. In the second phase, we will integrate AI into WhatsApp Governance.”
The minister further said “We are the first in the world to introduce WhatsApp Governance. However, this is just the beginning; we will continue to improve it. Every certificate will include a QR code, which will allow easy verification of applicant details. Any errors in certificates can be corrected through this system. If people can order various services at the click of a button, why shouldn’t government services be available the same way?”
He said that the idea was to have over 520 services through WhatsApp, in phases. All WhatsApp services are completely free, and payments are required only when booking specific services.
“Our goal is to ensure that all services are delivered in real-time. From this academic year, students can even receive their exam hall tickets through WhatsApp. Every certificate issued from now on will have a QR code. Often, a significant amount of time is wasted verifying the authenticity of certificates. This initiative will provide a solution to the problem,” Lokesh added
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
