Panaji: With Goa’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy expected within a month, the state is already putting AI to work, with the IT and tourism departments launching chatbots to help citizens access govt services and tourists find verified information and assistance.The department of information technology, electronics & communications (DITE&C), in collaboration with Goa Electronics Limited (GEL), has launched an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot for Goa Online services, while the tourism department has introduced a separate chatbot for travellers.The DITE&C initiative builds on the existing Goa Online web-based AI chatbot and is aimed at making govt services accessible through a platform people already use.“We have seen over 21 lakh requests through the Goa Online Portal and more than 9 lakh registered users. The WhatsApp chatbot builds on that existing digital ecosystem and makes access even more convenient,” IT minister Rohan Khaunte said.Citizens can access the service by saving 9404858105 and sending “Hi” on WhatsApp. Through a guided, menu-based conversation, users can submit applications, track their status and download certificates and payment receipts without installing a separate app.The department said the chatbot will be available round the clock and is designed to function across varying internet connectivity conditions.The tourism department’s chatbot, launched at the Goa Yuva Tourism Meet, takes a different approach, offering travellers information on Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) hotels, registered private accommodation, transit guidance and a system to raise and track enquiries.The chatbot currently assists users in English and Hindi, with Marathi and Konkani support planned.Khaunte, who also holds the tourism portfolio, said the initiative was aimed at keeping pace with younger, phone-first travellers and changing how they interact with tourism services.“The future of tourism is being decided on the phone in your pocket, by the people holding those phones,” he told a gathering of students, content creators and industry stakeholders.Tourism director Kedar Naik said the wider objective of initiatives such as the Yuva Tourism Meet was to connect young people’s creativity with challenges facing the tourism sector.He pointed to Goa’s “strong pool of young talent” as an asset that could be channelled towards technology and innovation.
