Residents of Delhi may soon be able to access important government services like marriage certificates, caste certificates, and even driving licences through WhatsApp. The Delhi government is preparing to launch a new initiative called ‘WhatsApp Governance’, which will allow people to apply for services, verify documents, and download certificates directly from their mobile phones.

Officials say this initiative will make the process faster, easier, and more transparent. For many citizens, getting a basic certificate still means waiting in long queues and dealing with touts outside government offices. The new system aims to solve these issues by bringing services straight to people’s phones.

The plan is expected to replace the earlier doorstep delivery scheme of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, which provided more than 30 services from home. While that scheme was helpful, the government now wants to use modern tools like AI and WhatsApp’s platform to reach even more people more simply.

How it will work

A dedicated WhatsApp number will be issued by the government. Citizens can begin the process by sending a simple “Hi” message to the number. From there, they will be guided to the right department and service. Users can fill out the required forms directly through WhatsApp. After a verification process, the approved certificate will be sent back on WhatsApp, and people will be able to download it using a QR code.

To start with, around 25–30 services will be available on the platform. More services are expected to be added later. The Delhi government is also in discussions with Meta (formerly Facebook), the company that owns WhatsApp, to help with the technical side of the project.

This initiative is part of Delhi’s Digital Transformation Strategy, which aims to make public services more accessible, user-friendly, and available 24×7. By using WhatsApp, one of the most widely used apps in India, the government hopes to reach people quickly and cut down the need for physical visits to offices.

Officials believe this will not only save time for citizens but also improve overall governance by reducing delays, corruption, and paperwork. The focus is on making government services as simple as sending a message on WhatsApp.