Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance Initiative Transforms Public Services
Andhra Pradesh IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh has launched Mana Mitra, the country’s first WhatsApp-based governance initiative, to make public services more accessible. The initiative was formally inaugurated at his residence in Undavalli. The state government has introduced an official WhatsApp number: 9552300009 for citizens to access various services seamlessly.
Key Features of Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance Initiative
- Instant Access to Public Services: Citizens can now obtain essential documents without visiting government offices.
- First-of-its-Kind Initiative: Andhra Pradesh becomes the first state to integrate governance into WhatsApp.
- Collaboration with Meta: The government signed an MoU with Meta on October 22, 2023, in New Delhi.
- Real-Time Service Delivery: Over 161 services are available in the first phase, expanding to 360 services in phase two.
- Secure and Transparent: Each document will feature a QR code linked to the government’s official website to prevent fraud.
How Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance Initiative Benefits Citizens
Speaking at the launch, Nara Lokesh highlighted that Mana Mitra ensures governance is at people’s fingertips. He explained that the concept originated from his 3,132 km-long Yuvagalam padayatra, where citizens expressed concerns about difficulties in obtaining official documents.
- Eliminates Unnecessary Visits: People will no longer need to visit offices for caste and income certificates.
- Effortless Bill Payments: Enables smooth payment of electricity bills and other utilities.
- Advance Ticket Booking: Facilitates online booking for bus travel services.
Role of Meta in Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance Initiative
The Andhra Pradesh government collaborated with Meta to develop Mana Mitra. During discussions with Meta India Head Sandhya Devanathan, Nara Lokesh proposed the integration of multiple public services into a single WhatsApp platform.
- The partnership enabled the digitization of government services.
- Ensures real-time data integration from multiple departments into a centralized data lake.
- Plans to incorporate blockchain technology for enhanced security.
Future Enhancements for Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance Initiative
- AI Chatbots and Voice-Based Services: The second phase will introduce these technologies, making Andhra Pradesh the first state globally to implement WhatsApp-based governance on such a scale.
- More Departments Integrated: Currently, 36 departments are part of Mana Mitra, with plans for further expansion.
- Continuous Improvements: Nara Lokesh emphasized ongoing refinements, ensuring that within six months, governance will be transformed.
Officials Praise Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance Initiative
Meta India Vice President Sandhya Devanathan expressed excitement about this groundbreaking initiative, stating that WhatsApp will make 161 public services more accessible.
WhatsApp India Director Ravi Garg emphasized the uniqueness of Mana Mitra, highlighting that no other state government has integrated services at this scale.
Key officials, including Bhaskar Katamneni, Secretary of IT, and K. Dinesh, CEO of RTGS, attended the launch event and praised the initiative’s impact on public service accessibility.
The Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance Initiative marks a transformative step in Andhra Pradesh’s digital governance. By integrating WhatsApp-based services, citizens can now access essential documents and public services effortlessly. This initiative sets a benchmark for future governance models across India.
Also Read: Mana Mitra Government in Peoples Hands Launched by Andhra Pradesh