Umang, all-in-one e-governance app launched by PM Modi; here's how it works

The app is a one-stop destination for all government services from finding CBSE exam centers to posting PF queries.

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On the sidelines of the 5th Global Conference on Cyberspace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi  took the opportunity to launch a standalone app for e-governance called Umang (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance). Developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and National e-Governance Division, the app is aimed at making it easier for citizens to connect to the government through mobile-first approach.

Umang has a range of services to offer to students, senior citizens, and farmers, by providing a single-point access to all government services. Some of the Digital India services such as Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and PayGov are also integrated into the app. The app provides over 100 services of the center and state government on one single platform.

One of the key features of the app is that it supports Aadhaar-based, and other authentication mechanisms for service access. As there are multiple services connected to the single app, the profile data of the user is saved in encrypted format. You can use Umang for all tasks related to e-governance; from utility bills, income tax filing, LPG cylinder booking, to queries for Provident Fund account or Aadhaar. Here’s how the app works.

How Umang works

Umang is available for download across app stores. On Google’s Play Store, it weighs 11MB. The app has already been garnered 500,000 downloads on the Play Store. You can also give a missed call or send an SMS to 97183-97183 to get the app download link on your number. There’s support for 10 Indian languages other than Hindi and English. In order to start using Umang, you will be required to first register yourself on the platform using your mobile number. It is advisable to use the same mobile number which has been used to link to other services such as Aadhaar. Upon authenticating your number via OTP process, you will be asked to set an MPIN to restrict unauthorized access to the app. You can further set answers to security questions.

Afterwards, you can choose to set up your profile by adding required details including Aadhaar details. The next step involves the app to link your Aadhaar details for easy access to services. However, even without completing your profile, you can navigate through the range of government services on offer. The services range from something as basic as booking a Baratghar online, complete with e-payment, to finding and downloading birth or death certificate of an individual.

To make things simpler, the ‘hub of all apps’ has categorized the services into ‘All’, ‘Central’, and ‘State’. Similar to how regular app stores show, Umang also shows trending services, top-rated services, and updated services. The app also gives you the option to connect your social media account, akin to how a lot of other apps ask for linkage.