WhatsApp Governance: Citizen services will start from tomorrow on WhatsApp in AP, new technology in this governance.
WhatsApp Governance: The state government is starting WhatsApp governance in AP from January 18. The government has made arrangements to provide 150 types of civil services to the people on mobile phones.
Now in AP there is no need to visit government offices for civil services and government certificates. Gone are the days when people could avail citizen services directly on WhatsApp without visiting any government office.
The AP government has signed an important agreement with Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp. The AP government had signed an agreement with Meta on November 30 last year for better citizen services. 100-150 types of citizen services can be availed directly through WhatsApp Business.
These services are now available on WhatsApp.
1).G2C (Government to Citizen)
2).B2C (Business to Consumer)
3).G2G (Government to Government)
150 types of citizen services…
Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to launch at least 100 types of WhatsApp services. In the first phase, re-engineering processes are implemented for effective government service delivery in the commercial sector. In the second phase civil services are provided easily without any interruption. In this process it is mainly decided to provide different types of services as follows.
1. Endowment Services:
Services like darshan, accommodation, donation, slot booking for various services in 7 major temples of Andhra Pradesh will be available through WhatsApp.
2. Revenue Services:
Citizens can easily check the status of their applications for various services. With transparent access, survey numbers and land related documents are available. Assistance was provided in locating land based on survey number. This improves accessibility for users to find information independently.
Controls requests for caste and income certificates. People will get the facility to apply through WhatsApp for issuance of birth and death certificates.
3. Civil Supplies
Services like issuing ration cards, updating the status of ration distribution will be made available after clear guidelines are issued on how citizens can apply for ration cards.
4. Municipal Administration and Urban Affairs (MA&UD)
In corporations and municipalities, services like property tax payments, birth and death certificates, business licenses can be accessed through WhatsApp.
5. Registration of Services
The government department develops services using WhatsApp as the technology partner for the registration process. There is opportunity to apply for timely notifications regarding registration process, issuance of certificates, slot booking for registration, load certificate etc. to ensure security.
6. Electricity Department
Under the electricity department, APEPDCL, APCPDCL, APSPDCL will be able to pay electricity bill through WhatsApp. Alert services will be provided on installation of new high-tension lines, power transformers, transco, internal communication channels, geo-location based on public requests.
7. Industry
The Department of Industries is already using chatbots for outreach communications. Efforts are underway to integrate utility services. Procedures have been prepared for integration of Single Desk Portal for entrepreneurs. Applications will be available for land allotment, investment policy, promotion etc.
8. Transport Department
All transport license related services, permits are already available online, all faceless services will be integrated with WhatsApp to improve user convenience. The Meta team works with APS RTC on the Delhi Transport Corporation model. Services for ticket booking, parcel booking are integrated into APSRTC.
9. Schooling
Services like sending important information to parents, students and department officials have been facilitated by integration with WhatsApp. Messaging system with mobile numbers and Aadhaar authentication will be available to communicate to 7 million parents regarding students’ attendance and performance. In addition to tracking course outcomes, the Meta team also works to introduce additional courses such as Digital Civics.
10. Higher education
Get the latest information like scheduling alerts for entrance exams, admissions etc. LMS will be available to improve student-staff support services, virtual learning support, communication and other soft skills. APAR ID will be linked for seamless access to educational services. Campaign for drug and tobacco free campuses, ease of application for various certifications in universities.
11. Skill Development and Training
A variety of skill training programs are available to meet the Government of India standards. META helps in conducting skill census to collect data on skill development needs. Meta Team integrates AI for dynamic responses via voice/text.
12. IT, Electronics & Communication, RTG
It is important to ensure data security protocols across all departments. WhatsApp is just an additional communication channel. Since all data is held by the government, whitelistable information is made available for integration. The feasibility of departmental information integration is explored and planned and integrated within a specified time frame.
13. Village Secretariat, Ward Secretariat Division
350+ services across 29 departments have already been integrated for efficient service delivery in village and ward secretariats. Other dynamic services are provided in parallel by connecting to different departments.
The AP government says WhatsApp will facilitate real-time notifications with a capacity of 10 lakh alerts per hour. Important updates related to tourism and travel related information will be available. It provides an organized platform for citizens to express their concerns. Regular updates on ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, road conditions etc.
Information about market prices, climate, best management practices for the agricultural sector can be obtained. Communication will be facilitated on information, deadlines and procedures related to various taxes. AP Government says that they will streamline the automated workflow as per the requirements of the government. These services will be made available from January 18.
