Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: Accessing essential government services is becoming simpler for people in Odisha with the expansion of ‘Ama Saathi’, a WhatsApp-based digital service designed to bring revenue-related facilities directly to citizens.

Launched with the aim of making government services more convenient and citizen-friendly, the platform allows people to access several services without making repeated trips to government offices. Citizens can use WhatsApp to apply for services, obtain information and track the progress of their applications.

The service can be accessed through 9437292000. Among the facilities available are applications relating to land mutation, land-category conversion, caste, income and residential certificates, along with other revenue and registration-related services. Citizens can also access land and patta information through the Bhulekh system.

The biggest advantage of the initiative is its simplicity. People do not need to learn a new application or navigate multiple government websites. By using a familiar platform such as WhatsApp, they can seek services from their homes, making the process particularly useful for senior citizens, people in rural areas and those who may find frequent visits to government offices difficult.

The platform also supports Odia and English, with voice interaction capabilities, helping make digital public services more accessible to a wider section of the population.

The initiative is part of Odisha’s broader effort to use technology to make public administration more transparent, accessible and responsive. By bringing services closer to citizens, the government aims to reduce paperwork, save travel time and make it easier for people to follow up on their applications.

The digital approach could be especially valuable during floods, cyclones and other emergencies, when travelling to government offices can become difficult. Citizens can continue to access important information and services remotely.

With WhatsApp already widely used across Odisha, Ama Saathi offers a practical bridge between technology and everyday governance, helping transform government services from an office-based process into a more convenient, accessible and citizen-focused experience.