WhatsApp Governance: Maharashtra to Offer 500+ ‘Aaple Sarkar’ Services on WhatsApp
Mumbai, February 28: In a major push toward digital governance, Maharashtra has announced that more than 500 services under the “Aaple Sarkar” initiative will now be available via WhatsApp. This initiative, backed by a collaboration with Meta, aims to make government services more accessible and citizen-friendly.
With the widespread use of mobile phones, many citizens have remained hesitant to engage with online services. However, given WhatsApp’s ease of use, this move is expected to bridge the digital divide and encourage broader participation in government services. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while announcing this initiative, stated that it marks the beginning of a new era of “WhatsApp Governance” in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra’s Tech Push and Strategic Partnerships
At an event held in BKC, Mumbai, Chief Minister Fadnavis was joined by Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Information Technology Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar. During the event, an MoU was signed between the IT Department and Meta for the development of the Aaple Sarkar WhatsApp chatbot.
Additionally, other key agreements were inked:
- MMRDA and NPCI: MMRDA provided land to NPCI for its global headquarters in Mumbai.
- Knowledge AI Hub: The Skill and Entrepreneurship Department partnered with TEAM to establish a Knowledge AI Hub.
- Entrepreneur Museum: A dedicated museum will be set up to encourage and celebrate entrepreneurship.
Mumbai Tech Week 2025 and Maharashtra’s Vision
Mumbai Tech Week 2025 kicked off at BKC with a special interview of CM Fadnavis by Lokmat Group’s Joint MD Rishi Darda. The Chief Minister outlined Maharashtra’s ambitious roadmap, emphasizing technological advancements and infrastructure development.
He highlighted the state’s efforts in accelerating fintech and AI startups, positioning Maharashtra as a leader in India’s startup ecosystem. He reiterated that Maharashtra’s vision of a trillion-dollar economy hinges on technological innovation.
Fast-Tracking Infrastructure Projects
Fadnavis also spoke about the government’s “warroom” approach, which has streamlined project approvals that previously required coordination between 18 different agencies. This initiative has expedited key infrastructure projects such as the Metro, Coastal Road, and Atal Setu.
Looking ahead, Maharashtra will focus on three major projects over the next five years:
- Vadhavan Port: Three times larger than JNPT, with a 20-meter depth, capable of accommodating the world’s largest ships, strengthening India’s maritime trade position.
- Navi Mumbai International Airport: Once completed, it will serve as a key commercial and technology hub.
- New Smart Cities: New urban centers will be established in Navi Mumbai, New Thane, and Vadhavan, providing expanded industrial space and reducing Mumbai’s congestion.
Additionally, the Wainganga-Nalganga and Godavari River linking projects will help ensure a stable water supply for drought-prone areas in Vidarbha and Marathwada, benefiting thousands of farmers and boosting agricultural output.
Cybersecurity and Maharashtra’s IT Revival
With cybercrime on the rise globally, CM Fadnavis emphasized that India’s most advanced cyber security center has been established in Navi Mumbai. This center will integrate with banks and social media platforms to facilitate immediate action against financial fraud.
He also addressed Maharashtra’s past decline in IT investments between 2000 and 2014, which led to major tech firms shifting to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. However, with projects like Atal Setu and the development of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra is reclaiming its status as a premier technology hub.
Conclusion
With WhatsApp Governance, rapid infrastructure expansion, and a strong push for cybersecurity and fintech, Maharashtra is positioning itself as a leader in India’s technological and economic transformation. The state’s ambitious roadmap, led by CM Fadnavis, aims to drive growth while making governance more inclusive and accessible for all citizens.
