In a major initiative to make Government services accessible, inclusive, transparent and simple, MyGov today announced that citizens will now be able to use the MyGov Helpdesk on WhatsApp to access the Digilocker service. This includes creating and authenticating their Digilocker account, downloading documents such as PAN card, driving license, vehicle registration certificate, amongst others, all on WhatsApp.
The Government has been working to promote “Ease of Living” through Digital India and the MyGov Helpdesk on WhatsApp is a major step to ensure governance and government services are at the fingertips of citizens.
MyGov Helpdesk, will now offer a suite of services for integrated citizen support and efficient governance, starting with Digilocker services. The new service will enable citizens to access the following documents with ease and convenience, from the safety of their homes.
- PAN card
- Driving License
- CBSE Class X Passing Certificate
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Insurance Policy – Two Wheeler
- Class X Marksheet
- Class XII Marksheet
- Insurance Policy Document (Life and Non-life available on Digilocker)
WhatsApp users across the country can use the chatbot by simply sending ‘Namaste’ or ‘Hi’ or ‘Digilocker’ to the WhatsApp number +91 9013151515.
Since its launch in March 2020, the MyGov Helpdesk (earlier known as MyGov Corona Helpdesk) on WhatsApp has served as a critical instrument in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic by offering people authentic sources of Covid-related information, along with critical uses like vaccine appointment bookings and vaccine certificate downloads. So far over 80 million people have reached out to the helpdesk, over 33 million vaccine certificates have been downloaded, and millions of vaccination appointments have been booked across the country.
With new additions like Digilocker, the MyGov chatbot on WhatsApp aims to build a comprehensive administrative support system for citizens to access resources and essential services that are digitally inclusive.
Commenting on the launch of this Digilocker service, Abhishek Singh, CEO MyGov; President & CEO NeGD; MD & CEO Digital India Corporation (DIC) at Govt of India, said, “Offering Digilocker services on the MyGov Helpdesk is a natural progression and a step towards providing citizens with simplified access to essential services via WhatsApp’s easy and accessible platform. With almost 100 Million+ people already registered on Digilocker and 5 Billion+ documents issued till date, we are confident that the service on WhatsApp will digitally empower millions by helping them access authentic documents and information, right from within their phones. This is in line with the vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi to streamline and improve delivery of public services.”
Talking about the new launch, Shivnath Thukral, Director – Public Policy, WhatsApp, said, “MyGov Corona Helpdesk is now the go-to solution for millions in the country who want access to accurate information & public services. What started as a citizen-centric offering during the pandemic, has now evolved into a scaled delivery vehicle for all digital governance initiatives in an easy, simple and efficient way for citizens. Equipping the MyGov Helpdesk with Digilocker services that can be accessed directly via WhatsApp, we want to unlock technology’s potential to extend the benefits of essential services to citizens at scale, and this is a significant step towards scaling up the Digital India vision and a digitally empowered country.”
