Maharashtra Government Collaborates with Meta for WhatsApp Citizen Services to Boost Digital Transformation
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra government has teamed up with Meta to launch WhatsApp-based citizen services, enhancing digital transformation and improving governance efficiency. The initiative allows 125 million citizens to access government services conveniently through the Aaple Sarkar chatbot in multiple languages.
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp-based citizen services are being launched by the Maharashtra government with Meta.
- The Aaple Sarkar chatbot will support Marathi, English, and Hindi.
- Services offered include grievance handling and document downloads.
- This initiative empowers 125 million residents to access government services anywhere.
- Meta's Llama model will enhance government efficiency.
Mumbai, Feb 28 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has formally partnered with Meta, the social media powerhouse, to introduce WhatsApp-based citizen services aimed at fostering digital transformation and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens while streamlining governance processes.
This exciting collaboration was unveiled during the ongoing Mumbai Tech Week 2025 and is designed to provide all public services through a single WhatsApp number. This initiative will empower approximately 125 million residents to access government services from any location, at any time.
The innovative chatbot, named ‘Aaple Sarkar’, will support three languages -- Marathi, English, and Hindi. It will facilitate services through both text and voice.
The Aaple Sarkar chatbot will offer a range of services including addressing complaints, obtaining essential documents and certificates, and providing convenience services such as booking bus tickets through MSRTC or BEST. Additionally, it will provide timely updates to farmers and residents throughout Maharashtra.
“The Government of Maharashtra is dedicated to leveraging the capabilities of open-source Gen AI technology to enhance and simplify access to public services. In collaboration with Meta, we are taking a major step toward making government services available digitally through WhatsApp while also improving efficiency, thereby closing the gap between governance and the populace,” stated Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Moreover, the Fadnavis administration plans to utilize Meta’s open-source large language model, Llama, to boost operational efficiency and productivity within the government.
Meta will initiate a pilot program to create and deploy a Gen AI solution focused on improving the accessibility of government documentation and expediting decision-making processes. This solution will harness Llama’s reasoning capabilities to enhance overall productivity for government personnel.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Government of Maharashtra to enhance process efficiencies using Llama and to launch our digital services chatbot that empowers the people of Maharashtra with technology,” remarked Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President of Meta in India.
“The user-friendliness of WhatsApp makes it the go-to platform for individuals seeking to accomplish tasks. We are confident that this chatbot will transform the way citizens interact with government services, making them more accessible and convenient,” she added.
