In a major move toward digital governance, the Government of Odisha had partnered with Meta to launch the ‘Ama Sathi’ Unified WhatsApp BOT. This pioneering initiative aims to provide seamless access to 175 government services directly through the popular messaging platform, making Odisha the second state in India (after Andhra Pradesh) to deploy such a unified system.
Launched by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, the project aligns with Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s vision of ensuring “last-mile” delivery of public services under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act.
Key Features of Ama Sathi:
175 Services at Fingertips: Citizens can apply for various certificates, permits, and administrative approvals without visiting government offices.
Real-Time Tracking: The bot allows users to track their application status and receive instant updates.
Multilingual Support: To bridge the digital divide, the bot communicates in multiple local languages, ensuring inclusivity for rural populations.
Secure Authentication: The platform uses OTP-based authentication and encrypted data flows to ensure user privacy and security.
Feedback Mechanism: A built-in system allows citizens to provide feedback, helping the government improve service delivery.
Early Impact and Efficiency
The initiative is managed by the Centre for Modernizing Government Initiative (CMGI). During its pilot phase, the platform reportedly reduced service processing times by up to 40%. By utilizing a platform like WhatsApp, which is already a part of daily life for millions, the state has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for digital governance.