Govt’s WhatsApp starts to work
The application has been installed in order to make maximum use of the digital technology for rapid exchange of information and directives Principal secretary or special secretary ( general administration department) will reportedly be the group administ
In order to speed up decisions, the AAP government has finally operationalised WhatsApp service for its ministers and top officials in the national capital. The application has been installed in order to make maximum use of the digital technology for rapid exchange of information and directives within the administrative machinery. The Kejriwal government has already directed its HoDs, principal secretaries and secretaries to make full use of mobile messaging application for quick exchange of information.
The decision related to installing of the mobile application for official use was taken over a month ago, but it was operationalised at a recent meeting of the HoDs after deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia insisted that the digital application should be immediately used.
When Mr Sisodia sought details about what preparations had been made for the digital application, the principal secretary ( UD) informed him that a new connection has been purchased and the list of mobile numbers of officers was being updated. The deputy CM then asked his IT secretary to prepare the group. He was informed that the group would be prepared on the same day.
Earlier, principal secretary ( general administra- tion department) Arvind Ray had been assigned the job to prepare the WhatsApp group for the HoDs and secretaries to the city ministers. The primary aim of the group would be to communicate urgent messages from the government to its officers for quick decision- making. The principal secretary or special secretary ( general administration department) will reportedly be the group administrator.
So far, two WhatsApp groups — one of the IAS Association AGMUT and the other of the Delhi Disaster Management — were in operation where officers had been communicating online with each other. They even exchanged ideas and suggestions to improve upon their day- to- day functioning.
A senior bureaucrat said that the idea of communicating through WhatsApp would ensure there was no delay in communicating decisions and suggestions of the AAP government to its senior officers He said the main purpose of the application was to enhance connectivity with the use of modern technology within the administration.
The bureaucrat said that on many occasions the government’s directives were not quickly implemented because of lack of proper communication with its top officials. He said there were occasions when the information or directives issued by the AAP government and senior officials would take time to reach those who have to implement it. “But the mobile app will help us quickly deliver information within minutes.”