International Open Data Day 2019 celebration in Konjyosom Rural Municipality, Lalitpur
Marking of International Open Data Day 2019 by 12 Local Governments of Nepal is not just a ritual. It is rather a symbol that they are committed towards ensuring an optimum openness as well as encourage citizens to engage with them in decision making. For specific groups like women and marginalized communities, access to data and information is even more critical. Mr. Hem Tembe from CECI Nepal who is also the Team Leader of SUSASAN Project, reflects on how Konjyosom Rural Municipality interestingly celebrated this day. International Open Data Day 2019 is celebrated in the 12 local governments where the Project SUSASAN is functional.
Open Data is one of the important initiatives of accountability and governance. The practice of Open Data ensures the access, use and re-use of data of the public institutions which will promote citizen state engagement to maintain transparency and responsiveness.
The discourse and practice of Open Data has globally increased and hence every year, International Open Data Day is being celebrated globally.
In 2019, all of the 12 local governments where the project, Sustainable Use of Technology for Public Sector Accountability in Nepal-SUSASAN is running, marked this day with the arrangement of different events at the local level. This proactive initiation of the local governments has given a strong message that they are stepping towards open and accountable government with the use of technology.
Out of 12 local governments, Konjyosom Rural Municipality in Lalitpur District also marked this International Open Data Day on the 2nd of March in the presence of Rural Municipality Chair Mr. Gopilal Singtan, Vice-Chair Ms. Mingma Lama and other ward chairs, members as well as citizens including women and marginalized groups. Mr. Sitaram Bhatta, Country Director of Center for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) Nepal was also there to observe the event.
The Rural Municipality Chairperson said, “I am very happy to be a part of marking this International Open Data Day 2019 and our Rural Municipality commits to remain open to all. Data and information will be made accessible to all through the use of technological tools as well as in printed form, if demanded. Further he added, “I would like to request you all to be curious on the performance of the municipality and forward your feedback for further improvement.”
Similarly, the Vice Chair expressed her concern about the insufficient proactive initiation of Woman and Marginalized Groups (WMGs) to assess data and information. She added, “With self expression and enquiry, one can reach to us to address the needs and demand. Therefore, all are requested to access the relevant data and information disclosed in municipal web portal or come to the Office, visit Techno-hub and seek necessary support for receiving information and data.”
The main attraction of day was a short drama or role play about Open Data. A group of youths performed a short drama (role play) during the event. The drama gave a message to the audience about certain questions like: What is Open Data? What kind of data are proactively disclosed for the public consumption by the concerned local government? Who can access and what are the means to access these data? What is the importance of Open Data?
Finally, the techno-hub was formally inaugurated and technological tools, platforms and mechanisms were officially handed over to Konjyosom Rural Municipality.
The Konjyosom Rural Municipality successfully marked this International Open Data Day, 2019 and disseminated the message that municipality is in the process of being open about its data, though they have resource limitations. The initiation of the municipality is appreciable and it will contribute in the promotion of accountability and improvement of overall governance.
Author: Hem Tembe, Team Leader, SUSASAN Project, CECI Nepal
