Government in a hurry to launch UMANG app

The government's ambitious project to launch its flagship mobile app - UMANG - for the consumer to access various functions and procedures is likely to be put on the fast track. The Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology is working overtime to make the app a reality by as soon as December this year.

UMANG, an abbreviation for the unified mobile app for new age governance, is expected to be available in 12 Indian languages, besides English. According to people involved in its development, the app will be a defining moment in the digital India initiative and will also enhance prospects of e-governance.

The app will be a single window to access all sorts of government services, including national scholarships, women's safety, health care applications, e-District and Passport Seva.

“We are going to launch a common mobile app which would give services of the central government, state governments, and the local bodies,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad, telecom, and IT minister. “People will be able to scan thousands of government services. We would start it in December with national student scholarships, women's safety, and health care programs.”

A huge team of experts, including software and app developers and government officials, are working on the app. Along with making it comprehensive, the mandate is also to make the app light, such that it doesn't take much space in the phone memory. The app may also be linked to Aadhaar and will have all the details of the user.

Till now, there are over 700 apps that have been launched by various regional governments in association with the units of the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. According to the Department of Electronics and Information and Technology officials, the Prime Minister’s Office has given them standing orders to develop and promote apps for specific purposes, as smartphone penetration in urban and rural areas has drastically increased.

According to statistics, smartphone usage in India has increased, while it has decreased in other markets such as EU and US. Smartphone shipment in India has also increased, and of the 905 million smartphone users in India, 70 million are from rural areas.

Service that will be available on UMANG:

• CBSE/State boards: Details related to exams, curriculum, results
• E-municipality: Grievance redressal, property tax filing, and other facilities estimates
• IRCTC: Bookings and other services related to Railways
• Utility bills: Payment of electricity and water bills
• Commercial tax: Details on filing taxes for traders and retailers
• e-Court: Court case details