Nara Lokesh Launches 161 Govt Services In Andhra Pradesh On WhatsApp. Here's How To Avail Them
Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu emphasised that the launch would eliminate the need for citizens to visit government offices for certificates and other essential services.
Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in India to introduce WhatsApp governance, offering 161 government services through the messaging platform, from January 30 (Thursday). On Thursday, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh launched Mana Mitra in Amaravati. "We believe it is a historic moment. To get basic documents why should they (people) come to government offices or meet an MLA." Lokesh said during the launch, as per PTI.
The Minister, taking to X said, "This initiative brings 161 services directly to 50 million citizens, from booking temple seva, to paying utility bills — all within a single WhatsApp chat."
Proud to announce the launch of Andhra Pradesh’s first-ever Digital Public Services Chatbot on WhatsApp, in collaboration with @Meta ! 🚀 This initiative brings 161 services directly to 50 million citizens, from booking temple seva, to paying utility bills — all within a single… pic.twitter.com/PkrQ99f3YW
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) January 30, 2025
Andhra Govt Services On WhatsApp: How To Use
- The services can be reached using the official WhatsApp number: 95523 00009.
- Users can send a message to this number to receive services digitally.
- The services will initially cover various departments, including: Revenue, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Endowments, Energy, Anna Canteens, CM Relief Fund (CMRF), Municipal Administration and more services will be added over time.
Mana Mitra: The initiative
Mana Mitra, aimed at enhancing digital accessibility, was announced by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during a review meeting at the state Secretariat on Wednesday. Naidu emphasised that the launch would eliminate the need for citizens to visit government offices for certificates and other essential services. Instead, they can now avail of services through a dedicated WhatsApp number with a verified tag, which will be announced by the government. Additionally, the state will use WhatsApp to send advisories, weather alerts, and important government messages to the public.
Before the launch of the initiative, Naidu stressed the importance of cybersecurity, instructing officials to ensure that citizen data remains protected from cybercriminals. He also directed the strengthening of forensic and cybersecurity wings to safeguard sensitive information.
The WhatsApp governance project is part of an agreement signed between the Andhra Pradesh government and Meta on October 22, 2023. According to the Chief Minister, this initiative is a step toward making Andhra Pradesh a leader in digital governance and public service delivery.
The official inauguration of the WhatsApp governance system will be done by IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh on Thursday.
Chief Secretary K Vijayanand and senior officials attended the review meeting, where a PowerPoint presentation was given to the Chief Minister explaining the step-by-step process for citizens to access government services through WhatsApp.
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