Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has launched ‘Mana Mitra,’ a WhatsApp-based governance platform, to provide citizens with access to government services digitally. The initiative, introduced by State Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, aims to simplify processes such as obtaining certificates, paying bills, and accessing civic services.
The government has assigned an official WhatsApp number for the service, allowing residents to access various facilities by sending a simple “Hi” message.
Digital Governance Through WhatsApp
Lokesh stated that the initiative was designed to bridge gaps in service delivery, ensuring easier access to essential documents like caste and income certificates. The government plans to connect 36 departments in the first phase, with 161 services available initially. The second phase will expand the platform to 360 services.
“We want to remove unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. With a smartphone and WhatsApp, people can now access government services instantly,” said Lokesh, adding that a QR code feature will help verify certificates and prevent fraud.
Blockchain and AI Integration Planned
The state is also looking to incorporate blockchain technology and AI-based automation to further enhance digital governance. Future upgrades will introduce AI bots and voice-enabled services. Lokesh emphasized that Andhra Pradesh is the first state to implement WhatsApp-based governance at this scale.
Meta’s Collaboration and Future Expansions
The initiative follows an agreement with Meta, signed in October 2023. Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President and Head of Meta India, acknowledged the scale of the project, stating that no other government in the world has integrated so many services on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp India Head Ravi Garg added that this model could set a benchmark for other states, with plans for additional services and improvements based on user feedback.
The Andhra Pradesh government will continue testing and refining the platform over the next six months, aiming for seamless service delivery and a fully digital governance model.
