UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) is a government initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Launched in 2017, UMANG aims to integrate various government services into a single platform, making it easier for Indian citizens to access these services through their mobile phones. With the rapid digitization of services and increasing smartphone penetration, UMANG has emerged as a significant step toward realizing the Digital India vision. This application simplifies the process of accessing a variety of government services, from paying utility bills to filing complaints, through a user-friendly interface.
Unified Mobile Application for New-age UMANG
Key Objectives of UMANG
- Unified Platform: UMANG aims to offer a unified platform where users can access multiple government services without the need to visit individual websites or download multiple applications. This reduces the complexity and confusion involved in interacting with government services.
- Accessibility: One of the major objectives of UMANG is to make government services accessible to all citizens, especially those in rural and remote areas. The platform supports multiple Indian languages, making it more user-friendly for non-English speaking citizens.
- Citizen Empowerment: UMANG seeks to empower citizens by providing them easy access to a wide array of services on their mobile phones. By streamlining processes, the app enhances convenience and reduces the time citizens spend on tasks like applying for a passport, paying taxes, or checking their pension status.
- Paperless Governance: UMANG promotes paperless governance by offering digital services, reducing the need for physical documents and in-person visits to government offices. This aligns with India’s broader efforts to digitize government processes.
Features of UMANG
1. Wide Range of Services
UMANG integrates over 1,000 services from 100+ government departments, covering central, state, and local bodies. Some of the key services available through UMANG include:
- Bill Payments: Citizens can pay their electricity, water, gas, and other utility bills.
- Tax Filing: Users can file their income tax returns directly through the app.
- Aadhaar Services: UMANG allows users to access their Aadhaar information, update details, and download their Aadhaar card.
- Pension Services: Retirees can check their pension status and updates through the app.
- EPFO Services: Employees can check their EPF balance, track claims, and access other services related to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).
- Passport Services: Users can apply for passports, track their application status, and schedule appointments.
- Healthcare: Citizens can access various healthcare services like booking appointments at government hospitals and viewing test reports.
2. Multi-Language Support
One of the standout features of UMANG is its multi-language support. The application is available in over 13 Indian languages, which helps bridge the digital divide, especially for those in rural areas where English may not be widely spoken.
3. Single Sign-On
UMANG provides a single sign-on (SSO) feature, which means users need to register just once to access a variety of services. This not only simplifies the process but also enhances user convenience, as they don’t have to create and remember multiple login credentials for different government services.
4. Integration with Other Apps
UMANG integrates with several other government apps, such as DigiLocker, Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), and others. This integration ensures seamless access to a wide range of services without the need to switch between different applications.
5. Voice Assistant
In a bid to make the application even more user-friendly, UMANG offers a voice assistant feature. This allows users, especially those who are not very tech-savvy, to navigate the app and access services using voice commands.
How to Use UMANG
1. Downloading and Registering
UMANG is available for free on both Android and iOS platforms. After downloading, users need to register using their mobile number. The registration process is straightforward and requires a one-time password (OTP) sent to the registered mobile number for verification.
2. Navigating the App
Once registered, users can navigate the app’s intuitive interface, which categorizes services based on sectors like healthcare, education, finance, utilities, and more. The search feature allows users to quickly find the specific service they need.
3. Service Access
To access a service, users need to click on the relevant category, select the department, and follow the onscreen instructions. Most services are easy to use and involve filling out a form or uploading necessary documents digitally.
Benefits of UMANG
1. Convenience
UMANG is designed to provide maximum convenience to users. By bringing hundreds of government services under one roof, citizens can save time and effort. Instead of visiting multiple government offices or downloading several apps, users can complete tasks with just a few taps on their mobile devices.
2. Cost-Effective
Since UMANG is a mobile app, it reduces the need for citizens to travel to government offices, thus saving transportation costs and time. Moreover, many of the services offered through the app are free, and the digital nature of the app reduces paperwork and other associated costs.
3. Security and Privacy
UMANG follows strict security protocols to ensure that user data is protected. It uses Aadhaar-based verification and OTP authentication, which adds an additional layer of security. Furthermore, the app does not store any sensitive data on the device itself, reducing the risk of data breaches.
4. Available 24/7
The app is available 24/7, meaning users can access services at any time, regardless of office hours. This makes it especially useful for working professionals who might not have time during the day to visit government offices.
Challenges and Limitations
While UMANG has revolutionized access to government services, it is not without challenges. Some users, especially those in areas with limited internet connectivity, may face difficulties using the app. Additionally, there are occasional technical glitches that might hinder the seamless experience UMANG strives to provide. Despite these minor issues, the app is continually updated to improve its performance and expand its range of services.
Conclusion
UMANG is a landmark initiative in India’s journey towards digital governance. By offering a wide range of government services on a single platform, it has made interactions with the government easier and more efficient. The app not only empowers citizens but also contributes to the broader goal of a Digital India.
