ICT Facilitated Access to Information Innovations
A Compendium of Case Studies from South Asia
Access to Information (A2I) – to seek, receive and exchange publically held information necessary for voicing opinions and making informed decisions – is fundamental to exercising citizens’ rights. Underpinning the democratic ideal of transparency and accountability in governance with the objective of citizen empowerment to demand their rights-based entitlements, A2I is best defined through a multi-stakeholder model under which facilitators of access will be many including government, social institutions, and/or individual citizens.
Information and communication technologies (ICT) facilitated public
information can play a significant role in improving public scrutiny with regard
to the management of public resources; and more accountable and inclusive
governance. Governments in many countries are now exploring ways to take
advantage of these emerging technologies to encourage openness in government and
promote citizens’ participation in decision making, ultimately for improving
public service delivery and deepening overall democratic processes.
With the aim of advancing access to information for enhanced transparency and accountability towards the improvement of democratic practices and public service delivery, OneWorld Foundation India (OWFI), in collaboration with the World Bank Institute (WBI), conducted research on ICT Facilitated A2I Innovations.
With the aim of advancing access to information for enhanced transparency and accountability towards the improvement of democratic practices and public service delivery, OneWorld Foundation India (OWFI), in collaboration with the World Bank Institute (WBI), conducted research on ICT Facilitated A2I Innovations.
Five innovations from India and two from Bangladesh were identified for research and case-study documentation.
Statewide call center plus integrated web portal for streamlining
of RTI requests. Implemented through over-the-phone and online
application submission, query and grievance redressal.
End-to-end ICT ecosystem info
kiosk, biometric and
GPS applications, SMS
and community radio -
for effective guarantee
of employment.
Digital books in audio
format. Designed for the
print-disabled - visually
impaired and illiterate to
access alternative
and mainstream
educational materials.
Web portal for citizens’
multimedia reporting of
issues in public service
delivery and service
provider engagement
through online response.
Spatial technologies
harnessed for transparency
in the implementation
of the Forest Right Act.
The use of GPS ensures
the accuracy of land
measurements undertaken
to verify claim requests
made by forest dwellers
Local daily monitoring
through SMS to effectively
monitor the progress of key
development schemes from
the ground up. Empowers
policymakers and the public
with tools to strengthen
mechanisms for improved
public service delivery.
Web portal designed to
facilitate the collection of
citizen reported data for
quantifying corruption in
India. Data collected is used
to develop and disseminate
information to push for
systemic changes.
