Delhi to trial WhatsApp-based public services

- The project, titled 'Governance through WhatsApp', will initially offer 25-30 services, with plans to expand to nearly 50. Some of the services mentioned include applications for birth certificates, caste certificates, marriage certificates, and driver's licenses. - To access the services, citizens will send a "Hi" to a dedicated mobile number. They will then interact with an AI-powered, multilingual chatbot, initially available in Hindi and English, to fill out forms and apply for services. - After the verification process, documents and certificates will be downloadable via WhatsApp and authenticated with a QR code. The system will also allow for the submission of documents and payment of any necessary fees. - The Information and Technology Department is heading the project, and administrative approval was granted by the IT minister on September 15, 2025. The current Cabinet Minister for Information Technology is Pankaj Kumar Singh. - A central dashboard is being developed for the real-time monitoring and management of interactions between government departments and applicants to ensure timely responses. - This initiative is part of a larger plan for a "One City, One Dashboard" experience and the creation of a Unified Data Hub (UDH) to integrate data from various departments. To address data privacy concerns, the government is planning to establish a dedicated legal authority to oversee the UDH. - Other states in India have launched similar initiatives, such as Andhra Pradesh's 'Mana Mitra' WhatsApp governance platform, which offers over 700 citizen services across 36 departments. This platform was launched in January 2025 and utilizes a dedicated WhatsApp number and QR-coded digital certificates.