Hyderabad, Jan. 31 -- The Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday launched WhatsApp governance service to extend various civic services to the people through WhatsApp.

Known as "Mana Mitra," the service was formally inaugurated by state information technology minister Nara Lokesh at his residence at Undavalli in Amaravati. The state government has allotted an official WhatsApp number 9552300009 for this service.

In the first phase, 161 services related to various departments, including power sector, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Anna Canteens, CM Relief Fund, endowments and municipal administration, will be extended to citizens, Lokesh said. Additional services will be introduced in the second phase and the num...