Governance – Gujarat MLA Harshad Parmar Takes Oath in Gandhinagar Ceremony
Governance – Harshad Govind Parmar, who recently secured victory in the Umreth Assembly bypoll, officially took the oath as a member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Tuesday in Gandhinagar. The oath was administered by Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary during a formal ceremony attended by senior leaders of the state government.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel remained present during the swearing-in event, reflecting the political significance of the occasion. Several cabinet ministers, legislators, and senior officials also attended the programme held at the state capital.
Senior Leaders Attend Oath Ceremony
According to an official statement, Chief Whip Balkrishna Shukla and Minister for Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Rushikesh Patel joined other members of the State Council of Ministers and MLAs during Parmar’s oath-taking process. The event marked Parmar’s formal entry into the Gujarat Assembly after his recent bypoll victory from the Umreth constituency.
The ceremony was conducted with traditional legislative procedures and highlighted the state government’s continued focus on strengthening its political and administrative framework.
Gujarat Expands Digital Governance Initiative
On the same day, the Gujarat government announced a major step toward expanding digital governance services across the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the administration has initiated a new system aimed at making public services easier to access through WhatsApp-based technology.
Officials stated that the initiative supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of improving citizen-focused governance through technology and simplified administrative systems.
An agreement was signed in Gandhinagar between the Gujarat government and Meta Platforms Inc. in the presence of the Chief Minister. The partnership is expected to help expand digital access to several essential government services.
Citizen Services to Be Available on WhatsApp
The state government said that nearly 20 citizen-oriented services from five important departments will soon be integrated into a WhatsApp chatbot system under the Sugam Digital Gujarat initiative. The services are being introduced following recommendations made by the Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission.
Authorities believe the partnership with Meta will improve service delivery, reduce delays, and simplify access for residents living in both urban and rural regions. Officials also highlighted that the initiative is intended to strengthen last-mile connectivity by allowing citizens to use government services directly through their mobile phones.
The chatbot will reportedly function in both English and Gujarati languages and will operate through a single WhatsApp number accessible across the state.
Focus on Faster and Simpler Public Access
Government officials said the new digital platform is designed to reduce the need for citizens to visit government offices or use multiple online portals for routine documentation and administrative procedures.
Among the services expected to be available through the WhatsApp platform are grievance support, applications for income certificates, caste certificates, and Economically Weaker Section certificates. Facilities related to ration card modifications, revenue record access, and official affidavits are also expected to be included.
The Gujarat government described the move as part of its broader push toward technology-driven governance aimed at improving public convenience and administrative efficiency. Officials believe the initiative could help reduce paperwork and waiting times while making essential services more accessible for residents throughout the state.