The UMANG App represents a significant advancement in India’s digital governance efforts. By consolidating thousands of services into a unified, multilingual, and digitally secure platform, it has simplified public access to government assistance. Recent features—such as EPFO’s face authentication and international expansion—demonstrate its evolving capabilities.
While continued efforts are needed to enhance awareness and rural access, UMANG remains a pivotal tool in delivering inclusive, efficient public services.
UMANG App—serves as a unified digital gateway, launched by the Government of India in November 2017, offering over 2,000 services from central and state departments. Managed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the National e-Governance Division, it enables citizens to access services securely, efficiently, and in multiple languages. This centralisation reduces bureaucratic complexity and promotes inclusive digital governance.
Overview and Launch
The UMANG App (“Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance”) was introduced by the Prime Minister in November 2017 at the Global Conference on Cyberspace in New Delhi, under the Digital India initiative. It was designed to aggregate services from both central and state governments into one digital platform accessible via Android, iOS, web, and feature phone interfaces.
At inception, it offered 162 services across 33 departments and four states. Since then, it has expanded substantially.
Scope, Growth, and Reach
Services and Coverage
As of late 2024, the app hosts more than 2,077 services drawn from 207 departments across Central and State governments, including 738 Direct Benefit Transfer schemes.
User Base and Transactions
The UMANG App had attracted 5.58 crore users by August 2025, processing approximately 383 crore transactions. By October 2024, active users exceeded 7.12 crore, highlighting its rapid adoption.
Functionality and User Experience
Integration and Access
UMANG integrates key government services such as Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and PayGov. Users can access identity-verified services, make digital payments (UPI, Net Banking, cards), and retrieve documents securely.
Multichannel and Multilingual Support
The platform is available via mobile app, web portal, SMS, and IVR, and supports 23 Indian languages for its top 100 services—enhancing accessibility across diverse demographics.
Technological Enhancements
UMANG has begun to incorporate AI-enabled chatbots, voice-based assistance, and predictive analytics. The platform also integrates weather data services from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), adding utility during adverse conditions .
Impact and Usage Patterns
Usage During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 lockdown (April–July 2020), EPFO-related services saw a 180% spike in app usage, with 11.27 lakh claims filed compared to 3.97 lakh in the preceding quarter. This surge underscores UMANG’s role in maintaining essential services amid mobility restrictions.
Administrative Measures and Enhancements
EPFO UAN Activation with Face Authentication
From August 1, 2025, EPFO mandated that Universal Account Number (UAN) allotments and activations be completed exclusively through UMANG using Face Authentication Technology. This measure aims to boost security and streamline employee provident fund processes.
International Version and Cultural Outreach
In November 2020, an international variant of UMANG was launched, targeting Indian nationals abroad—including students and tourists—in countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and UAE. It also includes modules like ‘Indian Culture’ services.
Expert Perspectives and Policy Analysis
According to a Press Information Bureau briefing, UMANG is positioned as a single interface for accessing government services, beneficiary schemes, information, and participation in governance.
A policy analysis by IMPRI (Institute for Policy Research & Implementation) described UMANG as embodying the ethos of “less government, more governance,” by simplifying citizen engagement with government services. It noted UMANG’s user-friendly design, including bookmarking and streamlined access, as enabling widespread adoption.
Challenges and Adoption Barriers
A study published in the International Journal of Electronic Government Research (2025) found that while UMANG had substantial reach, demographic factors such as digital literacy, language skills, and awareness influenced adoption rates. The study also identified scope for improving access in rural and underserved areas.
