The government’s WhatsApp chatbot will soon become a one-stop-destination to access official documents. This means one can download documents such as a driving licence, income tax certificate or PAN card instantly. The service is expected to be launched in the next few weeks. The WhatsApp chatbot will access documents stored on a citizen’s DigiLocker App. About 100 million people use DigiLocker currently, and it has also become the app to access all the official documents. The convenience and use of WhatsApp will bring down entry barriers and make DigiLocker available to more people.

The WhatsApp chatbot is a chat-based interface used by over 500 million Indians, so accessing these documents becomes easy. Currently, the interface is available in English and Hindi language, but soon, more regional languages will be added to it. Around 14 states have also adopted a similar chatbot in local languages. These include a 24×7 helpline of the National Commission for Women for pregnant women, West Bengal’s chatbot for citizens and farmers to access services like ration cards, lodge grievances and get information on paddy procurement. Mumbai municipal corporation’s MyBMC Assist to give administrative services to citizens and tourists.