Lokesh Jokes About Buying Jagan a Mobile Phone Over WhatsApp Doubts

The Andhra Pradesh government, under the NDA, has launched a pioneering initiative to streamline access to over 200 public services via a WhatsApp portal. This digital gateway enables residents to effortlessly engage with government services, negating the need for physical office visits and the associated wait times. The initiative has received widespread acclaim for its convenience and efficiency, marking a significant stride in enhancing citizen-government interaction.

However, the initiative has not been without its detractors. The YCP has initiated a smear campaign, falsely alleging that the WhatsApp service compromises personal and private data, including Aadhaar numbers. This accusation prompted a discussion in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, where IT Minister Lokesh robustly defended the platform. He assured that there was no breach of data security, emphasizing that WhatsApp simply functions as a medium to view documents without having access to any private information. "All the data is secure with the government, and WhatsApp is only a service that is able to display the concerned documents. They do not have access to any files or private matter. If any YCP leader can prove that WhatsApp has been hacked and personal data is out, I will personally give them 10 crore rupees from my pocket," Lokesh firmly declared.

In a light-hearted turn during the assembly discussion, Minister Lokesh addressed the skepticism of Jagan Mohan Reddy, who had expressed doubts about the service, citing his lack of a mobile phone. Lokesh humorously suggested, "Jagan Garu said he does not even have a mobile phone. In that case, I can ask our finance minister, Keshav Garu, to buy him a mobile phone and teach him how to use this WhatsApp governance service so that his doubts will also be clarified." This remark was met with laughter and applause, showcasing the confidence in the digital platform's security and functionality.

The WhatsApp governance service, branded as the Mana Mitra app, currently facilitates a variety of services including temple services, payment of electricity bills, booking of bus tickets, revenue services, and municipal services. The government has announced plans to expand the range of services available through this app, indicating a commitment to further enhancing the accessibility and convenience of public services for the residents of Andhra Pradesh.

As the government continues to innovate and improve the delivery of public services, the Mana Mitra app stands as a testament to the potential of digital governance in making bureaucratic processes more user-friendly and efficient. This initiative not only simplifies the interaction between citizens and the government but also sets a benchmark for other states to follow in harnessing technology for public welfare.