Odisha launches ‘Ama Sathi’ WhatsApp chatbot, citizens can access 120 services
In partnership with Meta, the Government of Odisha today launched ‘Ama Sathi’, a unified WhatsApp chatbot that will make 120 citizen services accessible to more than 45 million people across the State.
Bhubaneswar: In partnership with Meta, the Government of Odisha today launched ‘Ama Sathi’, a unified WhatsApp chatbot that will make 120 citizen services accessible to more than 45 million people across the State.
Unveiled in the presence of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, the initiative marks a major step towards building convenient, last-mile Page 2 of 5 access to essential public services. Through this chatbot, citizens will be able to access critical Government Services like obtaining residence, birth and Income certificates, applying for driving and fertilizer licenses, and accessing incentives such as the National Family Benefits Scheme, all through a single WhatsApp number.
Available in both Odia and English, the chatbot is accessible via a single WhatsApp number 9437292000 and comes with voice capabilities. It is designed to be a one-stop digital assistant, offering citizens easy access to a wide range of essential public services. Through this chatbot, people can conveniently raise and track public grievances, access housing and urban development resources, and interact with general administration services.
The Ama Sathi Unified WhatsApp BOT which has been developed by the Centre for Modernizing Government Initiative (CMGI) in collaboration with Meta India also provides services related to education, agriculture, and horticulture, ensuring farmers and students alike can get timely information and support.
Citizens in the State of Odisha can also connect with police services for assistance, check land records and revenue details. Besides, a dynamic Dashboard of the Odisha Right to Public Services Act’s Central Monitoring System (CMS) was also launched today by the Chief Secretary Odisha.
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary GA&PG Department Surendra Kumar, Director General Gopabandhu Academy of Administration G. Mathivathanan, Additional Chief Secretary Industries & I&PR Department Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary E & IT Department Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary H&UD and C&T Department Usha Padhee and Former Information Commissioner and Mentor CYSD Jagadananda and other senior officers of State Government.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary said “The Government of Odisha is committed to delivering seamless public services, ensuring that every citizen experiences convenience and efficiency at the last mile. This commitment is underscored by our investment in technology and training, aiming to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and enhance overall accessibility.”
“Today, with the launch of Ama Sathi in partnership with Meta, Odisha takes a transformative step in making governance truly citizen-centric. For too long, Page 3 of 5 accessing public services has been fragmented and cumbersome. This unified WhatsApp platform will simplify processes, remove barriers, and empower every citizen, from urban centers to the remotest corners of the state, to access essential services with ease and efficiency. Initiatives like this reflect Odisha’s vision of leveraging technology for transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance, ensuring that public service delivery is not just a function, but a seamless experience for all,” she added.
