Govt extends Umang platform internationally; Prasad says AI based voice solution to be developed

NEW DELHI: The government has extended its master app platform Umang to the overseas market, which will help Indian international students, NRIs and Indian tourists abroad to avail of government of India services, even from outside of the country.

The international version which was launched by union minister for electronics and IT on the third anniversary of the launch of UMANG will be available in select countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Netherlands, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Digital India must lead to digital inclusion; it must bridge the Digital divide and this must be achieved by technology which is home grown and also inclusive. He added that in March 2020 UMANG had nearly 643 services; which has expanded to over 2000 within a short period of time. "It indicates the sheer digital appetite of ordinary Indians."

He added that a voice based solution using AI may be developed so that UMANG may reach common people living in the remotest corners of the country, who might not prefer to access services over a voice enabled interface.

The UMANG mobile app (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a Government of India all-in-one mobile app which provides access to services of various Government of India Departments and State Governments.

UMANG has now grown to provide 2039 services which includes 373 from 88 central departments, 487 from 101 departments of 27 States and 1,179 services for utility bill payments.

Over 3 years, UMANG has reached a level of more than 3.75 crore downloads and around 2.5 crore registered users.