Implementation Details:

■ A dedicated portal under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Registration System integrates birth and death registration data.

■ Certificates sent via automated WhatsApp messages to citizens.

■ Citizens can download certificates directly from WhatsApp. 

■ Uses a data lake for streamlined processing.

Kiranmai tutika | AMARAVATI

Wondering if you would have to run around offices to get a birth or even a death certificate of someone near to you? Not anymore! If all goes according to plans, soon a citizen, to be precise, people in Tenali to begin with would be the first ones to avail what is called WhatsApp Governance to obtain a birth or a death certificate.  

The Andhra Pradesh government is set to introduce WhatsApp Governance, allowing people to access birth and death certificates through the popular messaging platform. The announcement was made by Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, who revealed that a pilot project for this initiative will be launched in Tenali later this month.

A review meeting to discuss the implementation of this project was held on Monday at the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) office in the Secretariat, with officials from various departments in attendance.

Chief Secretary Vijayanand emphasized the need for a seamless process to deliver birth and death certificates through WhatsApp. “This is a crucial step in ensuring that government services are convenient and accessible to citizens. The pilot project in Tenali will help identify any technical challenges, including data integration that may arise during implementation” he said.

He directed officials from RTGS and relevant departments, including Panchayati Raj, Health and Medical, and Municipal Administration, to work collaboratively and expedite the process. Vijayanand stressed that all issues at the field level must be resolved before the initiative is rolled out statewide.

S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary of RTGS, assured that necessary preparations for the project have been completed. He emphasized the importance of ensuring error-free delivery of services during the pilot phase.

K. Dinesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of RTGS, explained the technical framework of the initiative. Under the Andhra Pradesh Civil Registration System, a dedicated portal has been developed to integrate birth and death registration data. The system will also utilize a data lake to streamline the process. Once a certificate is generated, an automated WhatsApp message will be sent to the respective citizen, who can then download the certificate directly from WhatsApp.

Dinesh Kumar noted that the pilot project in Tenali will assess the system's functionality across all Panchayats and Municipalities in the area. The findings will guide the statewide rollout of WhatsApp Governance services.

The pilot project’s results will determine the feasibility of expanding the service across Andhra Pradesh. Officials are optimistic about the initiative’s success, citing its potential to revolutionize how citizens access essential services.

Pilot Project Highlights:

■ To be tested in Tenali, covering all Panchayats and Municipalities.

■ Focus on identifying technical challenges like data integration and field-level issues.

■ Results to guide a state-wide rollout