(Left) The landing page of SAATHI, an artificial intelligence-powered interactive chatbot launched by Wokha district administration on May 19, shows various options for users to avail services (Middle) Under Report Emergency option, details of in-charges of various categories of emergency are given. (Right) The chatbot also provides suggestions when a query is simply typed. (Morung Photo/screenshots)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 21
On May 19, the Wokha district administration launched an artificial intelligence-powered ‘companion’ called SAATHI (Smart AI-based Assistant for Timely Help & Interface) aimed at enhancing citizen-government interaction.
According to Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Ranjan, one of the distinctive features of the interactive chatbot is its "actionable proactive engagement with citizens" by leveraging the widespread use of the social media platform WhatsApp. (See Q&A on page 2)
The primary objective is to establish SAATHI as a single point hub to act as an information centre, facilitate service delivery, address grievances, and serve as a platform for effective communication and engagement.
‘SAATHI’ was officially launched by Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment A Narayanaswamy during his visit to the district on May 19.
To test its 'ability', The Morung Express interacted with SAATHI and presents a lowdown on how it works and what services it offers.
Interacting with SAATHI
To 'start' a conversation with SAATHI, one can simply send a WhatsApp text message 'Hi' to (91) 7005577231.
The landing page promptly responds with the main menu, offering five options – 1. Information (Schemes and Services) 2. Avail Services, 3. Contact Services Provider, 4. Submit Grievance, and 5. Report Emergency.
We tried Option 5 – 'Report Emergency' and it responded with sub-options listing the types of emergencies, such as disaster, fire, accident, ambulance, as well as women and police helpline.
On choosing the police helpline, we were provided with contact details of the police in-charge, including name, designation, and phone numbers. The details of another in-charge were given when we opted for accident emergency.
Under Ambulance, the availability of services in five rural development blocks of the district was listed.
Without following a specific menu/option or sub-menu and to test the interactive simulation, we simply asked: "What is the option for a certificate?"
SAATHI swiftly replied with "Did you mean: 1. How to apply for ST Certificate? 2. Where to apply for ST Certificate? 3. Go Back" (to the landing page or first menu).
When replied with Option 1 - How to apply for ST Certificate? The chatbot directed us to a page on the Wokha district administration website (https://wokha.nic.in) where the process, as well as the link to download the application for the certificate, is given. It further directed us on how and where to apply for the ST certificate.
According to the district administration, in the initial phase, some priority services have been included for focused delivery. Some are vaccination/immunization services, Ambulance and other emergency services, CM-Health Insurance/Ayushman Bharat Scheme, as well as high-volume services like Aadhaar, voter services, CM-Micro Finance Initiative, other credit schemes, and skill development services under the District Entrepreneurship Task Force, etc.
On simple testing, the chatbot responded efficiently to all queries with relevant information and direction.
It remains to be seen whether the positive virtual engagement would result in promptly addressing the service delivery gaps offline and ensure seamless connection between the district's citizens and the various services offered by the administration and government departments.
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