WORKSHOP AT NEW DELHI ON 24.8.2007
I had mentioned to Dr. Paul Twomey that implication of internet in strengthening democratic institutions is an unexplored area. Professional interventions by ICANN can help in improving the Government-to-Citizen communication systems.
India has Right To Information Act 2005, to facilitate citizen's access to official records of the public authorities. This law is only two years old and it is at very initial stages of implementation. Section 4(1)(a) of the RTI Act makes it obligatory to each public authority to ensure that records are computerized and connected through a network all over the country, on different systems. This would facilitate citizen's access to all public record. India is a vast country and there are very large number of public authorities. Implementation of RTI Act would occupy vast cyber-space. There are major issues regarding facilitating citizen's access to public records, which are yet to be resolved.
Moreover, RTI Act of India makes it obligatory to every public authority to suo-moto disclose information of public interest to the citizens. This also requires innovative use of internet, mobile phones, and all other modalities in I.C.T. In addition, the issue regarding public access to such information has not been addressed.
You may be aware that freedom of information/ right to information laws exist in most of the countries. Internet is a powerful means of disseminating information to citizens.This is a matter of immense public importance, for transparency, accountability and strengthening democratic institutions.
It is suggested that professional work in this dedicated area by ICANN may trigger action by various governments, looking for workable solutions for citizen's participation in democratic governance.
Dhirendra Krishna IA&AS (Retired)
Yahoo group rti4ngo
