Karnataka govt services now on your fingertips

State launches first mobile governance platform in India

People of Karnataka have a reason to cheer. Thanks to Karnataka MobileOne, they can now access around 4,500 services, both public and private, at their fingertips.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday launched the multi-mode mobile governance platform of the Karnataka government, a pioneering initiative in India for delivery of citizens’ services.

“This unique initiative...signals a new era in governance,” Pranab Mukherjee said during his inaugural address.

The app is available across all platforms, including iOS and Android. On feature phones, the service can be availed through an integrated voice response system and SMS. Users can dial 161 or *161# to access MobileOne services.

With MobileOne, people will now be able to access a number of services, including payment of utility bills and property tax, booking railway tickets, applying for driving licences and filing income-tax returns.

The platform also enables users to bring to the civic authorities’ attention non-functioning services. People can take pictures of potholes on roads or streetlights that do not work and send them to officials concerned for redressal.

Around 4,500 services can be availed of through this mobile governance initiative. These anytime, anywhere, anyhow services will be available throughout the year from anywhere in the world on any mobile device.

Payments on MobileOne can be made through debit or credit cards and online wallets. The government has also introduced ‘Karnataka Wallet’, through which payments can be integrated.

The platform developed on public-private partnership mode with IMI Mobile has been integrated with social media websites. Karnataka MobileOne will integrate digital media and advertising to enable it to be a self-sustaining model for select services via advertising revenue, user fees and subscription.

“Delighted that many start-ups have contributed to Karnataka's visionary MobileOne platform. The Karnataka government has been extremely supportive of young technology companies for whom MobileOne can be an excellent and cost-effective distribution channel for their offerings,” said Ravi Gururaj, chairman of Nasscom Product Council.

“Karnataka is also the first state to develop a mobile application approved by the Apple Store. It is the first state to have a mobile app that is accessible all over India. You can get our app from 1-800-425-425-425,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.

More services are in the offing on MobileOne. Soon, Bangalore Metro (Namma Metro) users will be able to pay for their ride from their phone itself and once the legal formalities are completed by the judiciary, citizens can even consider filing FIRs from the comfort of their home or office.

An auction system for agricultural market places would also be introduced on MobileOne in the future that would connect farmers and artisans with larger markets in India, the chief minister added.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala was also present on the occasion.