The Andhra Pradesh government on January 30 rolled out WhatsApp Governance, offering 161 services to citizens initially. 

Minister for Information Technology and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh formally launched WhatsApp Governance through which citizens can avail services, submit their applications to the government, and can receive important messages/alerts from the authorities.

The government announced that the WhatsApp number to avail of the services, in the name of Mana Mitra, is 9552300009. This account has a verified tag.

Highlights

• Initially, services pertaining to the departments such as Endowments, Energy, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Revenue, Anna Canteen, Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and Municipal Administration would be offered.
• More departments will offer their services through this platform in the coming days.
• Andhra Pradesh claims to be the first state in India to introduce WhatsApp Governance.
• The government can send important information to citizens on WhatsApp.
• The messages can be sent to one crore people simultaneously.