WhatsApp helpline for Mumbai launched! Here is how MyBMC Assist WhatsApp chatbox will help

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has just launched the WhatsApp helpline for Mumbai. BMC has collaborated with WhatsApp and this functionality has made the BMC India's first city administration to provide a comprehensive WhatsApp helpline. The BMC has created this WhatsApp chatbot named MyBMC Assist to make it easier for Mumbai residents, tourists, and businesses to contact the administration, request assistance, and access a variety of resources at one place.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, and Mumbai mayor Kishore Pednekar introduced the chat box at a virtual event on Friday. In the event, the Maharastra CM Thackeray mentioned that the country has seen widespread adoption of technology, and this is an opportunity to focus on its benefits for its citizens. WhatsApp is among the most widely used technological applications, and BMC is taking use of its potential to improve people's lives. He further mentioned that, "MyBMC Assist will not only help us to best serve this city’s residents but also aid us in establishing a transparent and accountable model of governance."

How does the MyBMC Assist WhatsApp chatbox work?

MyBMC Assist WhatsApp chatbox is built on the WhatsApp Business platform which serves multiple use-cases to citizens, tourists and businesses. It is built with the latest WhatsApp Business features that gives a menu of options so people do need to type the response. The WhatsApp chatbot will be available in English and Marathi, which will be free to use. Infobip technologies created this WhatsApp chatbot.

With this WhatsApp chat box by BMC, citizens can find information about local amenities, schools, civic services, BEST services, and tourist sites, and many other things. It also enables the direct filing of complaints, festival authorization applications, license renewals, and payments.

How to access the MyBMC Assist?

To use the bot, you will simply need to text 'Hi' to the number 91-8999228999 on WhatsApp. BMC aims to use the chatbox to provide real-time replies to various inquiries, assist in the sending of alerts and reminders, and enable the civic body to be accessible to the people 24/7.