Lokesh Starts Whatsapp Governance

In a first of its kind in the country, TDP general secretary and HRD minister Nara Lokesh has started ‘whatsapp governance’ in Andhra Pradesh. In fact, no where in the world can we find such a service.

The format is set to revolutionize the way people can liason with the government officials across the state. In the first phase 161 services can be availed through the service. Lokesh announced 9552300009 as the go-to whatsapp number.

In all, the government’s target for whatsapp governance is 360 services that will be rolled out eventually.

The new service will do away with the need to run around government offices to procure documents. CM Chandrababu Naidu was given a demo by officials a day prior to the official launch on January 30.

The AP government inked a deal with Meta on October 22, 2024, for offering the service. The idea for whatsapp governance germinated during Lokesh’s Yuva Galam and the government worked swiftly once in power.

After meeting different sections of people, Lokesh says he realised the need for governance in the hands of people. He shared that every document will have a QR code and there is no scope for fake or duplicate documents.

For now, the service covers endowments, energy, APSRTC, revenue, Anna Canteens, CM Relief Fund and municipal departments.

CM Chandrababu has asked officials to make sure data doesn’t fall into the hands of cyber criminals and reiterated on strengthening cybersecurity and forensic.