PRESS RELEASE

CivicDataLab an organization focused on improving access to information and it’s uptake to enhance citizen participation in governance, organized  “Data Dialogues - Assam” on 21st & 22nd March at Assam Administrative Staff College(AASC) in collaboration with Open Government Data Platform (data.gov.in) project management unit team at National Information Centre(NIC) under Ministry of electronics and information technology(MeitY). It was a two-day focused discussion to improve access to Government Data, Data Sharing, Data-driven decision-making & Community Building in Assam.

The event was inaugurated by keynote speakers Shri. Abhishek Singh (IAS) CEO Digital India Corporation, CEO MyGovIndia, MD & President & CEO National e-Governance Division(NeGD) and Mr. D.P. Misra, Scientist-F at NIC - heading Open Data, Web and Cloud Technology Group. Various sessions  discussed how public data can be used in better understanding of Assam’s Budget, Public Procurement, Flood Preparedness & Response, Child Protection, Rural Development Schemes and more.

The event involved speakers from various government departments like -  Shri. Bikram Kairi (IAS), Commissioner, Panchayat & Rural Development Department, GoA, Ms. Laya Madduri, IAS, Secretary, Finance Department, GoA, Dr. Kripaljyoti Mazumdar, Assam State Disaster Management Authority(ASDMA). They were also joined by dignitaries of various organizations like - Dr. Keyur Sorathia, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Ms. Swayamsidha Mohanty, World Bank Group, Mr. Miguel Queah, UTSAH Assam, Ms. Bindu Aggarwal,   Indian Red Cross Society, Ms. Simonti Chakraborty, Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA), Mr. Madhusudhan B.V. Rao and Ms. Shiboni Sundar, Centre for Budget and Policy Studies (CBPS).

The event served as a forum to bring together various stakeholders including state-level bureaucrats, civil society organizations, academicians, students, technologists, designers, economists, policy researchers, among others actively working with public data in Assam. It aimed at accelerating publishing Assam’s government data and proactively harnessing it for better evidence-based decisions to combat local socio-economic challenges. This will enhance wider uptake of government data among various stakeholders and citizens to improve their participation in governance.

The lessons garnered from the event will prove important and useful to not just residents of Guwahati, but also across the rest of Assam and India. We request your esteemed organization to cover the event and amplify its learnings.