Bhubaneswar to launch WhatsApp chatbot to address grievances, civic services

Marking new strides in enhancing urban governance, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken a significant step towards launching a WhatsApp chatbot. The rollout of the digital service aims to allow city residents to file grievances and access civic services on one single and easily accessible platform.

On Wednesday, the Bhubaneswar civic body signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IndusInd Bank and PeLocal Fintech Pvt. Ltd. to build on the technology and roll out the WhatsApp service.

As per sources, citizens can access the chatbot through a dedicated WhatsApp number. The bot will allow residents to conveniently access information and manage services such as property tax payments, trade license fees, and user fees for services like birth and death certificates. Additionally, people can also file their grievances through the platform. 

Apart from addressing these services, the chatbot also includes a market and vending zone rental collection application through which local vendors can pay their dues without the need to visit the BMC offices.

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By integrating financial transactions and grievance redressal into a single platform, BMC is looking to simplify civic interactions and improve service delivery for its residents.

Notably, the WhatsApp chatbot service comes at a time when a slew of development projects have been lined up for Bhubaneswar. Urban Development Minister Krishna Chandra Mohapatra had informed of the state government’s plans to construct more ring roads and overbridges in the city.

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Earlier, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das had informed about the planned street vending zones and organised market corridors. All of these projects aim further to enhance the state capital as a future-ready smart city.