Andhra to extend comprehensive Whatsapp governance from Jan 30

Stating that the state government has entered into an agreement with Meta on October 22 last year, the Chief Minister said that 'WhatsApp governance' will facilitate speedy delivery of public service to the people.

Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh on Thursday will launch 'WhatsApp governance' services with 161 government services being made available, initially, via the app.

Against the backdrop of WhatsApp governance being introduced, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday held a review meeting at the State Secretariat. The Chief Minister said that the practice of the citizens making rounds to the government offices to 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. He told the officers to take necessary measures in this direction, emphasising the need to strengthen the forensic and cyber security wings of the state police.

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 facility will ensure speedy delivery of public service to the people at a time when the state government is moving ahead to take Andhra Pradesh to the numero uno spot in India when it comes to the wide use of digital technology.

IT minister Nara Lokesh will officially inaugurate the WhatsApp governance facility on Thursday.

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 WhatsApp to access services can select their options.

Though initially 161 services will be available, more services will be added after the pilot run. Now services with regard to various departments, including Endowments, Energy, APSRTC, Revenue, Anna Canteens, CMRF and Municipal Administration will come online via the app on Jan 30.