♦ For the first time in the country, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched WhatsApp Governance titled ‘Mana Mitra’. It allowing citizens to access 161 government services directly through the messaging app.

♦ The services were formally launched by Minister for IT Electronics & Communication and Real Time Governance (RTG) Nara Lokesh in Undavalli, Amaravati on 30 January 2025.

♦ The State government has allotted an official WhatsApp number 9552300009 for availing the services.

♦ Currently, departments such as Endowments, Energy, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, Revenue, Anna Canteens, Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Municipal Administration are covered under this initiative. 

♦ In the second phase, it would start 360 more services.