AP to Accept Public Complaints Through WhatsApp Voice Messages

In a move aimed at making governance more inclusive and accessible, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to enable citizens to lodge complaints through voice messages on WhatsApp , ensuring that even those with limited literacy can easily access government grievance redressal services.

The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre in Amaravati, where the Chief Minister assessed the performance of various departments and reviewed the state's digital governance initiatives. Stressing that public services must be citizen-friendly, transparent and efficient, Chandrababu called for further simplification of government procedures and faster service delivery.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the procedures for 11 government services have already been streamlined as part of the government's ongoing administrative reforms. Reviewing the grievance redressal mechanism, Chandrababu emphasized the need to strengthen citizen engagement through technology and directed officials to expand the capabilities of the Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance Platform .

He said citizens should be able to submit complaints not only online but also through WhatsApp, including by sending voice recordings . The initiative is expected to benefit elderly citizens, rural residents and people who may find text-based digital platforms difficult to use. Officials informed the Chief Minister that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for implementing the system have already been prepared.

The meeting also focused on the state's digital infrastructure. Officials reported that nearly 3,000 locations across Andhra Pradesh continue to face mobile signal and connectivity issues. Describing reliable internet access as essential for modern governance, Chandrababu instructed departments to resolve connectivity gaps within the next three months and ensure uninterrupted access to digital services in rural and remote areas.

To improve field-level administration, the government has also mandated regular visits by senior officials. Under the new guidelines, Secretaries will spend three days, Heads of Departments six days and District Collectors eight days every month in the field to directly monitor public issues and service delivery.

The Chief Minister also reviewed Navachetana , an early childhood development programme implemented by the Women and Child Welfare Department . Officials said more than 34,000 children have been screened so far through Anganwadi centres and home visits to monitor their physical and cognitive development. A pilot project is being planned to strengthen follow-up interventions.

Later, Chandrababu met a delegation led by CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee and urged the industry body to expedite the establishment of the proposed CII Global Leadership Centre in Andhra Pradesh, a project expected to support leadership development, skill-building and industry collaboration in the state.