100 Services Through WhatsApp in AP: The state government has intensified efforts to make government services even more accessible to the public. Starting from November 30, an agreement has been made to provide 100 types of services with just one click. These services include issuing ration cards, slot booking for registrations, crop market prices, temple visits, student attendance, and many more, all of which can now be easily accessed through the WhatsApp Business Service platform.
WhatsApp Governance in AP: As part of the “Yuvagalam” padayatra, Lokesh promised to ease the difficulties related to certificates, and he has taken significant steps in that direction. To make various types of public services more accessible, the state government has entered into an agreement with Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp. Through this partnership, several public services can now be accessed using the WhatsApp Business Service platform. These services will be provided through three main channels: from the government to citizens, from businesses to consumers, and between different departments within the government.
In the first phase, processes and policies will be re-engineered to ensure efficient delivery of government services in the commercial sector. In the second phase, public services will be made more accessible, without any barriers. Already, over 350 services from 29 departments have been integrated into the village and ward secretariats. Additional services will be made available through the integration of various departments.
WhatsApp will enable real-time notifications with the capacity to send 1 million alerts per hour. It will also provide essential travel information related to the tourism sector and serve as a platform for citizens to communicate their issues. For the Endowments Department, citizens will be able to book slots for visits, accommodations, and donations at seven major temples across the state through WhatsApp.
Once clear guidelines are released on how to apply for ration cards, services like issuing ration cards and updates on ration distribution status will be made available. Municipalities and corporations will provide services such as property tax payments, birth and death certificates, and commercial licenses through WhatsApp. WhatsApp will act as a technical partner for services related to registrations, ensuring timely notifications, issuance of certificates, slot bookings for registrations, and applications for encumbrance certificates.
Various Services Through WhatsApp: Through WhatsApp, citizens can pay electricity bills. Based on public requests, services such as setting up new high-tension lines and power transformers using geo-location, along with Transco, internal communication, and alert services, will be available. Services related to all transport licenses and permits are already available online, and for better user convenience, these will be integrated with WhatsApp.
Similar to the Delhi Transport Corporation, the Meta team will collaborate with APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation). RTC services like ticket booking and parcel booking will be integrated. To provide information to parents regarding student attendance and performance, a short messaging system will be available, including mobile number and Aadhaar authentication. The Meta team will also make additional courses available, alongside tracking academic progress. Information regarding entrance exams and admissions in higher education will be updated regularly.
AP Government MoU with META: Services for students and staff, virtual teaching assistance, communication, and skill improvement through a Learning Management System (LMS) will be provided. To ensure uninterrupted access to educational services, Aadhar ID will be integrated. Campaigns for drug and tobacco-free campuses will be conducted, and applications for various certificates at universities will be made easier.
Various skill development programs, aligned with government standards, will also become available, with support from Meta for skill assessment. The Department of Industries is already using chatbots for outreach communication. Plans are in place to integrate a single-desk portal for entrepreneurs. This will facilitate applications for land allocation, investment policies, and promotion. Regular updates on the status of infrastructure projects and road conditions will be provided. For the agriculture sector, information on market prices, weather, and best management practices will be made available.
