 "Ministry Of External Affairs Launches Mobile App For iOS And Android")
Realising the potential of mobility and usage of smartphones to disseminate information amongst the masses, the Ministry of External Affairs India has announced its latest mobile app for iOS and Android platform. The app aims to create a single window for all the information related to Ministry’s citizen-centric services and outreach activities.
The overall outlook of the app seems very user friendly, intuitive and interactive with elaborative visuals and graphics. The app is the gateway to various kinds of information related to Visas, Passports, Embassies, Foreign Relations or any other matters related to external affairs. This futuristic app can also help Indian citizens abroad, who need assistance and can help them locate the nearest Indian Mission with just a touch. The app also allows the user to virtually follow the Prime Minister on all his foreign trips. A section called “Ask your Minister” is created to enable citizens interact with the External Affairs Minister directly. The media centre built within the app includes all the latest updates and a quiz section where users can win prizes. The app also provides all information regarding to the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and the Haj, including details regarding the application process, forms, flight, hotel details and FAQs.
After the app was launched, Twitter was abuzz with tweets from all over the country flooding the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Syed Akbaruddin’s timeline with questions and congratulatory messages. Replying to one of the most frequently asked questions – whether or not will this app be available on other popular platforms like Windows or BlackBerry, Akbaruddin tweeted: @AkbarMEA This is a leap of faith for us. Currently, the app is available on Android and iOS devices. Once we get it right will consider other platforms as well. He further added: @AkbarMEA Providing information to the extent the Ministry that too through a single window is the goal behind this app.
Member of Parliament and well-known businessman Naveen Jindal was among those who tweeted to congratulate MEA. “@MPNaveenJindal I congratulate the Ministry of External Affairs for coming up with a user friendly Smartphone app.”
This is the first initiative of its kind, but it seems that the government has finally realised that mobile apps will play a very significant role in the way information is exchanged. It will be interesting to see what’s coming next in this space.
The Android version of the app can be downloaded here.
The iOS version of the app can be downloaded here.