Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards digital governance, the Odisha government will soon launch a WhatsApp chatbot under the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, enabling 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.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday said that the department has digitised its services to ensure that citizens can access them conveniently from home.
“Previously, people visiting Revenue offices sometimes faced demands for money from officials. To eliminate such practices, we have moved most services online and are now introducing a WhatsApp chatbot to make them even more accessible,” he added.
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.
Minister Pujari added that the platform will also enable citizens to report any instances of bribery directly via the chatbot. “If someone encounters a request for a bribe, the complaint will be sent directly to me, and I will ensure immediate action,” he said.
