In a major milestone for digital governance, Andhra Pradesh's innovative Manamitra “WhatsApp platform” has surpassed 50 lakh users and facilitated more than 2.5 crore transactions since its launch. The initiative, allowing citizens to access government services with a simple "Hi" message, has transformed how people interact with state departments, eliminating the need for repeated visits to offices. 

Launched in January 2025 as 'Mana Mitra' (meaning "our friend"), the platform—developed in collaboration with Meta and partners like TCS—began with 161 services and has rapidly expanded. Today, it offers over 900 services across numerous departments, with plans to exceed 1,000 soon. Key offerings include bill payments (electricity, property, water), revenue services like downloading Pattadar Passbooks, Adangal copies, and Encumbrance Certificates, APSRTC bus ticket bookings, temple darshan and seva reservations at major sites such as Tirumala, Srisailam, and Simhachalam, certificate applications (OBC, income, EWS, etc.), and welfare scheme benefits. 

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the government's vision: "We are living in a digital age. No citizen should have to go around government offices to receive services." he made it clear. The platform's impact is evident in real-life stories. M. Kishore, a Chartered Accountant in Bengaluru originally from Eluru, no longer takes leave to handle property taxes. Sarala from Nadendla, working in Hyderabad, now pays taxes and books temple tickets from her workplace. 

Supporting English and Telugu, with AI-powered voice commands for ease, Manamitra works via WhatsApp number 9552300009—now a household contact for many, including Andhra Pradesh residents outside the state. Upcoming additions include birth and death certificates.