Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Government has launched an AI powered WhatsApp chatbot aimed at making government services easier and more convenient for citizens. The initiative has been introduced by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications in collaboration with Goa Electronics Limited.
The new service builds on the AI chatbot already available on the Goa Online portal and brings its features to WhatsApp, allowing citizens to access services through a platform they already use regularly.
Information Technology Minister Rohan Khaunte said the Goa Online portal has recorded more than 21 lakh service requests and has over nine lakh registered users. He said the WhatsApp chatbot is intended to make government services more accessible while improving the overall experience for citizens.
The chatbot allows users to interact with a digital assistant through simple conversations and menu based options. Citizens do not need to download a separate application to use the service.
To access the chatbot, users can save 9404858105 on their phones and send “Hi” through WhatsApp.
The service provides access to several Goa Online features, including submitting applications, checking application status, downloading issued certificates and other documents, and accessing payment receipts. Citizens can also use the conversational assistant to seek information and guidance about available government services.
The chatbot is designed to remain available around the clock, allowing citizens to access information and services from different locations and through smartphones with varying levels of internet connectivity.
The launch was attended by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Minister Rohan Khaunte, Bicholim MLA and ITG Chairman Dr Chandrakant Shetye, Priol MLA Govind Gaude and senior officials from the technology and government departments.
The initiative is part of Goa’s wider push towards digital governance, with the government seeking to use emerging technologies to simplify public service delivery. Further expansion of the chatbot’s capabilities and coverage across additional government services is expected to be shaped by citizen feedback and usage.
