Haryana has rolled out a major initiative with the launch of Bhu-Mitra, a WhatsApp-based chatbot designed to provide citizens with round-the-clock access to critical land and revenue services. The chatbot, launched by the Haryana Revenue & Disaster Management Department, is available in both Hindi and English, making it accessible to a wider demographic, including those in rural areas. Citizens can now access essential services like land ownership records and deed registration without visiting government offices or handling complex online portals.

Streamlining Access Through a Familiar Platform

The Bhu-Mitra chatbot operates through WhatsApp, a platform already widely used by Haryana’s population. Financial Commissioner of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, emphasized that this initiative is aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and providing real-time information to citizens. ‘By bringing critical revenue services onto a familiar and widely accessible platform like WhatsApp, we aim to eliminate bureaucratic delays and empower citizens,’ she said.

According to Dr. Misra, the chatbot currently facilitates four core revenue services: Copy of Jamabandi, Copy of Mutation, Compensation Registration, and Deed Registration. These services are crucial for landowners and applicants seeking to verify or update their property records. The chatbot also allows for Deed Token generation, Land Demarcation requests, and Complaint Registration, enabling users to track the status of their grievances in real time.

The chatbot is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and supports smooth interaction in both Hindi and English. This bilingual interface ensures that the service is inclusive and reaches citizens across all sections of society. Dr. Misra added that from next week, all SMS related to deed registration services will be delivered through the Bhu-Mitra platform, allowing citizens to receive timely updates directly via the chatbot.

Boosting Digital Governance and Citizen Convenience

The initiative is part of Haryana’s broader push toward a transparent and technology-driven administrative ecosystem. Dr. Misra highlighted that the department plans to integrate additional services into the Bhu-Mitra platform in the coming weeks, further strengthening digital governance and expanding the scope of citizen convenience.

‘The goal is to make government services more accessible, transparent, and efficient for every citizen of the state,’ she said. This move aligns with the state’s efforts to digitize public services and reduce the reliance on physical offices, which often lead to long queues and delays.

With just a few taps on their smartphones, citizens can access a range of essential revenue services from the comfort of their homes, at any hour of the day. This convenience is particularly beneficial for those in rural areas, where access to government offices may be limited or inconvenient.

The launch of Bhu-Mitra reflects a growing trend in India where states are using digital platforms to improve public service delivery. Similar initiatives have been seen in other states, such as the use of mobile apps for property tax payments and land records in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. However, Haryana’s approach through WhatsApp is notable for its simplicity and accessibility, as the platform is already familiar to most users.

According to a recent report by the Haryana government, the number of citizens accessing government services through digital platforms has increased by 40% since 2021. This trend is expected to continue as more citizens become comfortable with using mobile technology for administrative tasks.

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Scope of Bhu-Mitra

The department has outlined plans to expand the functionalities of Bhu-Mitra in the coming months. Officials have indicated that new features, such as integrated payment gateways for service fees and more detailed property valuation tools, are under development. These enhancements are expected to further streamline the process of accessing land and revenue services.

Dr. Misra mentioned that the department is also exploring the possibility of integrating Bhu-Mitra with other government services, such as water supply and electricity bill payments. This would create a one-stop digital hub for citizens to access a wide range of essential services.

The initiative is also expected to reduce the administrative burden on government officials, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. By automating routine service requests and providing real-time updates, the chatbot is expected to improve the efficiency of the department significantly.

While the initial rollout has been met with positive feedback from citizens, officials have acknowledged the need for continuous improvement. ‘We are constantly monitoring user feedback and will make necessary adjustments to ensure the service remains user-friendly and effective,’ Dr. Misra said.

As Haryana continues to invest in digital infrastructure, the success of Bhu-Mitra could serve as a model for other states looking to improve their public service delivery through technology. The initiative is part of a broader national push to digitize government services and make them more accessible to all citizens.

With the chatbot already available to the public, citizens can start using Bhu-Mitra by saving the WhatsApp number 95933 00009 and initiating a conversation. This move marks a significant step in Haryana’s journey toward a more digitally inclusive and efficient administrative system.