Andhra Pradesh to Launch 500 WhatsApp Services by June 30

Amaravati, March 18 (NationPress) The government of Andhra Pradesh is set to launch 500 services via WhatsApp by June 30, as announced by state IT and Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh on Tuesday.

Currently, approximately 200 public services are being offered through Mana Mitra, which was initiated in January.

In a brief discussion during the state Assembly on WhatsApp governance, Nara Lokesh indicated that within the next 100 days, services powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and QR codes will be introduced.

With the implementation of the QR code, the risk of document or certificate tampering will be eliminated, he stated. He mentioned that essential legal amendments will be addressed in the upcoming Assembly session.

Lokesh, who also oversees Real Time Governance, mentioned that a decision regarding integrating the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) services into Mana Mitra will be made within a month, following the recommendation of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

He emphasized that the Chief Minister's aim is to establish Andhra Pradesh as a leader in all sectors. He expressed optimism that WhatsApp governance will emerge as a significant political reform in the near future.

Recalling the historical context, he noted how N.T. Rama Rao, after assuming the role of Chief Minister in 1983, brought administration closer to the people by abolishing the patel-patwari system. His successor, Chandrababu Naidu, inspired by the Citizen Service Centre in Singapore, launched e-seva services, initially allowing payment of electricity bills before expanding to various other services.

Lokesh indicated that e-seva has now evolved into Mee-Seva. Chandrababu Naidu has consistently advocated for making administration accessible to the public. 'I acquired my technological knowledge through my MBA from Stanford University while I gained firsthand experience with public issues during my padayatra.

'During my interactions with villagers, they voiced concerns about waiting for days at government offices. They asked why government services can't be as easily accessible as cinema tickets, Swiggy food, essentials, and taxis, which can be obtained with just a click,' Lokesh stated.

The minister pointed out that citizens also complained about having to pay fees at government offices.

He maintained that government services must be universally accessible, akin to how quality education is provided to both the wealthy and the less fortunate. Lokesh expressed that he has conducted extensive research on effective governance. 'My aspiration is for governance to be in the hands of the people, promoting the idea of visible governance and an invisible government. Furthermore, my aim is to eliminate the necessity for officers and politicians in everyday life,' he added.