Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Odisha digital empowerment have taken a major leap with the launch of “Ama Sathi – Unified WhatsApp Bot,” allowing citizens to access a wide range of government facilities directly from their mobile phones. As a result, this initiative delivers hassle-free services at the fingertips, ensuring transparency, convenience, and efficiency for all residents.
Moreover, the Odisha government partnered with Meta India to roll out this pioneering citizen-service platform. This collaboration aims to set an example for other states in using popular messaging applications for governance.
Through this initiative, citizens can now obtain essential services such as birth and death certificates, legal heir certificates, residence and income certificates, driving licenses, fertilizer licenses, benefits for inter-caste marriages, and assistance under the National Family Planning Scheme directly via WhatsApp.
In addition, citizens initiate applications and receive certificates by sending a message to the dedicated WhatsApp number 9437292000. The system supports both English and Odia languages, ensuring inclusivity for diverse users. Furthermore, those who cannot type in either language can use the Government of India’s Bhashini Platform to submit applications using their voice.
The state government set an ambitious target: by the end of 2025, it will make all public services notified under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act accessible through this single WhatsApp interface.
By offering services on a widely used platform like WhatsApp, the government provides easy accessibility without requiring citizens to visit government offices physically.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and digital empowerment. Consequently, citizens can now apply for, track, and receive essential documents without hassle. Additionally, integrating AI-powered tools like Bhashini will make the platform inclusive for those who may not be literate in Odia or English,” officials said.
Experts also note that this step will significantly reduce delays, curb middlemen practices, and strengthen trust in public service delivery.
Ultimately, as the state advances its digital roadmap, “Ama Sathi” is poised to become a game-changer, ensuring timely, transparent, and hassle-free services reach the fingertips of every citizen.
