PublicBodies Datathon: Strengthening RTI Accessibility in Nepal

Open Knowledge Nepal

Open Knowledge Nepal

 | 

Sun Dec 08 2024

Although Nepal has a Right to Information (RTI) Act, it has not been fully effective due to various challenges. The current process for citizens to request information from public bodies is predominantly paper-based and complicated, discouraging many from exercising their right to access information. This issue is further worsen by the absence of a centralized and comprehensive database of public bodies and their information officers, making coordination and transparency difficult. Section 3(2) of the RTI Act provides that every Nepali citizen shall have access to information held by public bodies, envisioning these entities as “open books” for the citizens.

A public agency/body is a formally established organization that is publicly funded to deliver public or government services. Examples include government ministries or departments, as well as state-run organizations such as libraries, police, and fire departments. In Nepal, while the government has begun publishing information online, there remains a significant gap in the ease with which citizens can locate and access this information. The National Information Commission (NIC) lacks a fully functional system to manage the data of all public bodies. These issues underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive, user-friendly online database of public bodies and their information officers.

Through the PublicBodies Datathon, we aim to bridge these gaps by mobilizing youth from interdisciplinary sectors to crowdsource the necessary data on public bodies. Our goal is to enhance the effectiveness of the RTI Act, increase government accountability, and empower citizens to participate more actively in governance.

Why PublicBodies Datathon?

Unlike traditional datathons or hackathons, this is not a competition but a collaborative effort. Selected participants will engage in a one-day immersive experience of data exploration, data collection, and validation of existing public bodies in Nepal.

What Participants Will Gain:

  • Collaboration: Experience an environment where individuals from diverse fields come together to address real-world challenges.
  • Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about open data, transparency, and accountability in society.
  • Contribution: Enhance your profile by contributing to a meaningful cause and playing a pivotal role in strengthening RTI accessibility in Nepal.

This is not about winning or losing – it’s about collaboration, contribution, and fun! Participants will also receive amazing swags and a certificate of participation as a token of appreciation. Come, join us, and make a difference!

Key Timeline

  • Registration Opens: December 8, 2024
  • Registration Closes: December 25, 2024
  • Selected Participants Announcement: December 29, 2024
  • Event Day: January 11, 2025 | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Important Note:

  • Participants must bring their own laptops to participate in the datathon.
  • Selected participants will be notified via email.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to provide travel and accommodation support for participants residing outside the Kathmandu Valley.

Venue

The venue will be announced soon. Rest assured, we will provide a comfortable and collaborative space to ensure an engaging experience.

Register for the Datathon

Let’s unlock the potential of data to drive lasting change in public governance! Please use the registration form below to apply for the datathon. Selected participants will be notified via email.

Registration Form Link: https://forms.gle/Ta1fBZg4BA4HeZMJ6 

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