Andhra Pradesh Launches WhatsApp Governance

The Andhra Pradesh government recently launched the “Mana Mitra” initiative. This programme aims to enhance governance through WhatsApp. Nara Lokesh, the Minister for IT, Electronics, and Communication, introduced the service in Guntur district. The initiative will allow citizens to access 161 civil services via WhatsApp. This move is part of a broader effort to make government services more accessible and efficient.

Features of Mana Mitra

• Mana Mitra will provide a range of civil services through a dedicated WhatsApp number.
• In the first phase, 161 services will be offered. These include government certificates and various administrative services. A special QR code will accompany each certificate. This QR code will link directly to the Andhra Pradesh government website, ensuring authenticity and reducing the risk of fake documents.

Future Phases and Expansion

• The initiative is set to expand in a second phase.
• An additional 360 civil services will be introduced.
• The government plans to integrate artificial intelligence and voice recognition into the service.
• This will further enhance user experience and accessibility.
• The aim is to create a comprehensive digital platform for all government services.

Technological Innovations

The Andhra Pradesh government is exploring advanced technologies. Blockchain technology is planned to ensure data security and integrity. These innovations will support the real-time delivery of services. The integration of multiple departments into the WhatsApp platform is a complex task. However, it is crucial for seamless governance.

Importance of Citizen Engagement

The Mana Mitra initiative puts stress on the importance of citizen engagement in governance. By using a widely adopted platform like WhatsApp, the government aims to encourage a more participatory approach. This initiative is expected to empower citizens by providing them with easy access to government services.

Global Context

Andhra Pradesh’s WhatsApp Governance initiative is unique on a global scale. It marks the potential for technology to transform public service delivery. Other regions may look to this model as a way to enhance their own governance frameworks. The success of Mana Mitra could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.

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Meghalaya’s Shift to Scientific Coal Mining

The central government has signed agreements with three local miners to commence scientific coal mining in two districts (West Khasi Hills and East Jaintia Hills districts). This decision comes after a decade-long ban on unscientific “rat-hole mining” imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

About Rat-Hole Mining

• Rat-hole mining is an illegal method of coal extraction resembling rodent burrows.
• It is prevalent in Meghalaya and involves creating narrow tunnels that are often less than two metres high.
• Miners descend into these cramped spaces using ropes and bamboo ladders.
• The process is dangerous due to the risk of tunnel collapses and poor ventilation.
• There are two primary techniques used in rat-hole mining
  1. Side-Cutting Procedure: Miners dig narrow tunnels into hill slopes to access thin coal seams.
  2. Box-Cutting: This method involves creating a rectangular opening followed by a vertical pit, leading to horizontal tunnels for coal extraction.

Causes of Rat-Hole Mining

Several factors contribute to the persistence of rat-hole mining:

• Poverty: Local tribal communities often resort to this method as a means of survival due to limited livelihood options.
• Land Ownership Issues: Ambiguous land titles complicate the establishment of regulated mines, allowing illegal operations to flourish.
• Coal Demand: Continuous demand for coal, both legal and illegal, drives the rat-hole mining practice.

Escrow Agreements for Mining

• Escrow Agreement: A legal contract where a third party holds assets until specific conditions are met.
• Escrow agreements were signed between the Controller of Coal (Govt. of India) and the mining project proponents.
• Coal India Limited is the third party in these agreements.

Future Expansion of Scientific Mining

• Apart from the three approved mining sites, 12 more applications are in advanced approval stages.
• The Meghalaya government is working closely with the Ministry of Coal to restart coal mining legally.

Impact of Coal Mining Ban

• Before the ban in 2014, the coal mining industry was a major revenue source for Meghalaya, generating ₹700 crore annually.
• The ban was imposed due to safety risks, as rat-hole mining involved digging narrow tunnels, leading to several worker deaths over the years.

Katakey Committee’s Role

• The Meghalaya High Court appointed a one-man committee led by former judge Brojendra Prasad Katakey to ensure compliance with the NGT and Supreme Court’s rulings.
• The committee has made several recommendations regarding sustainable and legal coal mining.

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