The state government on Monday signed an MoU with Meta Platforms to launch a WhatsApp-based citizen services following which residents may soon access a large number of government services via a single WhatsApp number.
Under the Sugam Digital Gujarat initiative, the agreement was signed in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Officials said around 20 public services from five government departments will soon be available through a WhatsApp chatbot in Gujarati and English. Services expected to be available include grievance redressal, income certificates, caste certificates, EWS certificates, ration card updates, revenue records and official affidavits.
Citizens will be able to apply for services, upload required details and track application status using a single WhatsApp number.The MoU was signed by Hareet Shukla, Secretary of the Training and Administrative Reforms Division, along with Meta representatives Aman Jain and A. Srinivas. Senior government officials, including Chief Secretary M K Das and Principal Advisor Dr Hasmukh Adhia, were also present during the signing ceremony.
Officials said the move is aimed at reducing paperwork, saving time and making government services easier to access for people in both cities and villages. The initiative is expected to reduce need for citizens to visit websites or stand in long queues at offices. The state government said more services may be added to platform later.