Bhubaneswar: The Centre for Modernising Government Initiative (CMGI) on Friday organised an orientation programme on the Odisha Right to Public Services Act (ORTPSA) and the Ama Sathi Unified WhatsApp bot for members of the ICC Women Entrepreneurship Council (INWEC) at Lok Seva Bhawan here.
The programme focused on raising awareness about key citizen-centric governance initiatives of the state government and strengthening engagement with civil society stakeholders.
In his welcome address, CMGI Executive Director Surendra Kumar Meena emphasised the government’s determination to actively engage civil society in raising awareness about essential welfare initiatives. He announced the Cabinet’s official approval of the Auto Appeal System, a groundbreaking mechanism designed to eliminate delays in grievance redressal. This system ensures that if a designated officer does not deliver a service within the stipulated timeframe, the service request is automatically escalated to a higher authority, thereby enhancing accountability and efficiency.
The programme included an in-depth technical session led by Pinaki Mohanty, Project Coordinator of ORTPSA. During the session, he presented a comprehensive overview of public services, the need for the Right to Public Services Act, and its provisions under ORTPSA.
He also explained the architectural framework of the Auto Appeal System, illustrating how digital integration facilitates automatic appeals. This innovation removes the burden on citizens to manually file appeals when deadlines are missed, thereby significantly enhancing transparency and accountability in public services.
Furthermore, Mohanty informed the members about the Ama Sathi Unified WhatsApp bot, which aims to streamline public service delivery and improve user experience. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of civil society organisations, which are vital in positioning Odisha as a leader in digital governance and public accountability.
A live demonstration of the Ama Sathi Unified WhatsApp bot was presented by a partner from Meta India.
During her address, Swati Kejriwal, Convenor of INWEC, expressed gratitude, stating, “We sincerely appreciate the Government of Odisha and CMGI for organising such an insightful and citizen-centric orientation programme. The session was highly informative and enriched our understanding of digital governance initiatives, citizens’ rights under ORTPSA, and the ease of accessing services via the Ama Sathi WhatsApp platform. It is truly encouraging to witness proactive efforts towards transparency, accountability, and effective public service delivery.”
Nivedita Narula, a renowned entrepreneur and INWEC member, said, “The session was exceptionally informative and insightful, showcasing the Government of Odisha’s unwavering commitment to citizen-centric digital governance and seamless public service delivery. The detailed presentation on ORTPSA and the innovative Ama Sathi WhatsApp bot illustrated how technology can dramatically simplify access to government services, improve transparency, and enhance public convenience. As an INWEC member, I found the programme immensely beneficial in understanding the evolving digital ecosystem and its potential impact on enterprises, entrepreneurs, and the broader public. This initiative exemplifies a progressive step towards digital inclusion and efficient governance.”
Samidha Sathpathy, Director of Magnum Group of Companies and INWEC member, stated, “The session on Ama Sathi was truly an eye-opener—a striking reflection of the thoughtful and forward-thinking digital vision driving this initiative. Ama Sathi has the potential to lead Odisha towards a more connected and empowered society by enabling citizens to stay informed about their rights and available services. It is inspiring to see technology emerging as a bridge between governance and citizens, fostering a stronger and more resilient ecosystem. The session was both informative and enlightening.”
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Deputy Project Coordinator Sarita Kanungo.
