Bhubaneswar: In a major move to digital governance, the Odisha government is set to launch a WhatsApp chatbot for providing services pertaining to revenue matters and receive land-related complaints.
The initiative of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department will enable citizens to apply for certificates and access other revenue services online. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on middlemen, curb corruption, and make government services more transparent and accessible.
Sharing this information on Wednesday, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari told reporters that the department has digitised its services to
ensure that citizens can access them conveniently from home.
Earlier, people often faced demands for money from officials while visiting revenue offices. To eliminate such practices, the government has moved most services online and are now introducing a WhatsApp chatbot to make them even more accessible, he said.
The chatbot will allow citizens to apply for caste certificates, income certificates, resident certificates, and other documents. Users will also be able to track the status of their applications in real time. In the event of delays, officials will be required to provide explanations, and strict action will be taken against any wrongdoing.
Pujari add ed that the platform will also enable citizens to report any instances of bribery directly via the chatbot.
Through the 24-hour service through WhatsApp, citizens can submit grievances and applications related to land matters, and officials will resolve issues within a fixed time frame.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is slated to inaugurate the WhatsApp service tomorrow.