This document provides an overview of 7 innovative ICT practices from India and Bangladesh that aim to advance access to information for transparency and accountability in governance. It describes the research methodology, framework for analysis, key features and technologies used, recommendations, and conclusions from case studies of initiatives like Jaankari in Bihar, India and DAISY for ALL in Bangladesh. The document advocates learning across countries and innovations to ensure appropriate technology choice, multi-stakeholder access to rich information, transforming information into action, and sustainable impact through closing information loops and institutionalization.

1. ICT-FACILITATED ACCESS TO INFORMATION INNOVATIONSINBANGLADESH & INDIA 1

2. SCOPE & LIMITATIONS The Right to Information (RTI) is the legally enforced entitlement of citizens to claim information from public authorities through a written application process. 7 innovative ICT practices : 5 from India and 2 from Bangladesh – that are aimed at advancing access to information for transparency and accountability in governance towards the goal of improved democratic practices and public service delivery. User Analysis – sample size, time constraints, availability Nonuser Analysis – targeting a control group Biases – field restrictions/constraints 2

4. Respected media sources

5. ICT research and organizational websites

6. Right to Information (RTI) research and related knowledge portalsPRIMARY RESEARCH Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) Observation of Use Interviews Surveys

7. FRAMEWORK FOR IDENTIFICATION & ANALYSIS 4

8. JAANKARIBihar, India Launched in 2007, Jaankari aims to support the creation of an efficient and effective Right to Information Act through a statewide call center cum integrated web portal . 5

10. Real-time application tracking

12. Repeat usage 6

14. Moving to a toll free number

15. Employing a sustainable revenue model Using Jaankari to enhance PIO capacity 7

17. YPSA- DAISY Consortium

18. Areas of Operation- 3 Chittagong subdistricts and Chittagong Hill Tracts

19. Hybrid model – G2C, 32C

20. Digital Talking Books -audible reading materials for print-disabled persons

21. Talking Dramas on social/legal issues in story format8

22. TECHNOLOGIES & INFORMATION 9

23. RECOMMENDATIONS 10

25. C2C model

26. Web portal to facilitate engagement between service providers and citizens

27. Citizen journalists facilitate submission of reports – photo, video, written

28. Pilot areas: Rajshahi, Barishal and Panchagarh

29. To ensure citizens’ welfare by improving public service delivery11

31. Multiple mediums of technologies for content submission

32. Graphical display of reports on platform 12

33. EXPLORING GAPS 13

34. SMS-BASED MONITORING SYSTEMBihar, India Launched in 2009, the SMS-based monitoring system aims to facilitate daily monitoring of development schemes at the local level and its transfer to the State level by leveraging cheap mobile technology. 14

36. Internal dashboard

37. Public websiteUse of existing and multipurpose hardware Access Availability of data in the public domain allows for citizen engagement Impact Enhancement of ‘responsible’ reporting of scheme progress Mitigation of corruption 15

40. Building rich data through qualitative support -Incorporating citizens’ feedback

41. Engaging social organizations to use public data16

42. ICT ECOSYSTEM FOR MGNREGSRajasthan, India E-enable MGNREGS to strengthen public accountability 17

44. Text-to-speech feature

46. Empowerment of beneficiaries – especially women18

49. Research nonusage for understanding awareness and preferences 19

50. GEOINFORMATICS FOR FOREST RIGHTS Maharashtra, India Satellite images of an ineligible claim case Spatial technologies are used for the effectiveimplementation of the Government of India, Forest Rights Act, 2006. 20

52. Increases transparency

53. Community inclusion and empowerment

54. Long term value1.6 lakh cases have been measured by GPS and a total of 1.05 lakh cases have been decided in favor of the claimants. 21

57. Expanding accessibility of website by using text-to-speech technology22

58. I PAID A BRIBEIndia “Uncover the Market Price of Corruption” Citizens Citizens/Government 23

59. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION 24

61. Interactive Voice Response System

63. Create pressure for institutional reforms25

64. CONCLUSIONS COMPARATIVE ANALYSISLearning Across Countries Citizens’ Voices as a ‘Jaankari-like’ platform I Paid A Bribe & Citizens’ Voices on crowdsourcing platforms Use of Spatial technologies– ICT Ecosystem for MGNREGA, Citizens’ Voices & Geoinformatics for Forest Rights Use of Text-to-speech – DAISY for ALL, ICT Ecosystem for MGNREGA 26

65. CROSS CUTTING ANALYSISLearning Across Innovations 1. THE MODEL OF ACCESS CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLATFORM AWARENESS FOR ACTION-ORIENTED USAGE 2. INFORMATION TYPE AND USE RICH, UNBIASED AND CREDIBLE MULTI-STAKEHOLDER ACCESS TRANSFORMING INFORMATION INTO ACTION 27

66. CROSS CUTTING ANALYSIS (CONT.)Learning Across Innovations 3. MODE OF TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY CHOICE OFFERING MULTIPLE MEDIUMS MATCHING USER NEEDS OPEN SOURCE VS. PROPRIETARY 4. SUSTAINABILITY AND IMPACT CLOSING THE LOOP – ‘LAST MILE CONNECTIVITY’ INSTITUTIONALIZATION 28

67. THANK YOU 29