According to DigiLocker, there are over 100 million registered users.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Access to DigiLocker is provided via MyGov Helpdesk on WhatsApp.
2. The chatbot was created to provide services connected to COVID-19.
3. DigiLocker accounts can be created through the WhatsApp messaging app.
Indian WhatsApp users can now utilise the government's MyGov Helpdesk chatbot to access DigiLocker. Users will be able to use the instant messaging service to register and authenticate their DigiLocker account, as well as download papers such as their PAN card, driver's licence, and insurance policy documents, among other things. According to DigiLocker, there are over 100 million registered users who have issued over five billion documents. Users will be able to access government papers on their mobile devices without having to download the DigiLocker app or visit the website.
MyGov, a citizen interaction platform, said on Monday that the MyGov Helpdesk on WhatsApp has been updated to include access to the DigiLocker service.
WhatsApp users in India can now access DigiLocker by sending a message to +91-9013151515 with the phrase "DigiLocker" in the subject line. Users will be able to create and authenticate their DigiLocker accounts as well as download documents such as PAN cards, driving licences, CBSE Class 10 passing certificates, Class 10 marksheets, Class 12 marksheets, vehicle registration certificates (RC), two-wheeler insurance policies, and life and non-life insurance policies.
Users accessing the service over WhatsApp would be need to enter their Aadhaar number for authentication, similar to the DigiLocker app and website. The chatbot will confirm the Aadhaar number with a one-time password (OTP) before allowing you to download documents from the messaging app.
In a prepared statement, Abhishek Singh, MyGov CEO, President and CEO NeGD, MD and CEO Digital India Corporation (DIC), 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."
MyGov Helpdesk, also known as MyGov Coronavirus Helpdesk, was launched in March 2020 and reached 1.7 crore users in just ten days. It was first introduced to raise awareness and assist individuals during the country's COVID-19 outbreak. However, the government eventually improved it to the point where it could provide e-government services. Haptik, a Jio Platforms subsidiary, created the chatbot.
Over 80 million users are said to have used the MyGov Helpdesk. According to the government platform, it has been used to download over 33 million immunisation certificates and arrange millions of vaccination appointments.
"By equipping the MyGov Helpdesk with DigiLocker services that can be accessed directly via WhatsApp, we hope to unlock technology's potential to extend the benefits of essential services to citizens at scale, and this is a significant step toward scaling up the Digital India vision and a digitally empowered country," said Shivnath Thukral, WhatsApp's Director of Public Policy.
