AP To Launch 161 Services Through Whatsapp Today

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Government has announced that it will offer 161 services for better delivery and redressal mechanism, on WhatsApp from January 30.

The government said it is the first State that is bringing 'WhatsApp governance' from Thursday and initially 161 various services will be available online.

Against the backdrop of WhatsApp government being introduced now, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday held a review meeting at the State Secretariat here. He said that the practice of the citizens making rounds to the government offices for obtaining certificates will henceforth be put to an end.

At the same time, Naidu stressed the need for initiating steps to ensure that the information of citizens should not fall into the hands of cyber criminals and told the officers to take necessary measures in this direction. He emphasised the need to strengthen the forensic and cyber security wings.

Stating that the State Government has entered into an agreement with Meta on October 22 last year, the Chief Minister said that this WhatsApp governance will facilitate speedy delivery of public service to the people at a time when the State Government is moving ahead to take Andhra Pradesh to the top position in using digital technology.

Minister for IT and Electronics Nara Lokes, will officially inaugurate the WhatsApp government on Thursday. Chief Secretary K Vijayananad and other officials were present at the review meeting.

Earlier, the officials gave a powerpoint presentation on WhatsApp governance to the Chief Minister during which they explained in detail how those who want to utilise the WhatsApp services can select their options. Though initially 161 services are available, more services will soon be made available. Now services with regard to various departments, including Endowments, Energy, APSRTC, Revenue, Anna Canteens, CMRF and Municipal Administration are available.