Information Sharing in Public Services and Government of India

Information sharing in public services and the government of India refers to the systematic dissemination and exchange of information between government entities, public service providers, and the citizens. This practice aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance. Information sharing involves making data and information accessible to the public, facilitating informed decision-making, and promoting civic engagement.

Importance of Information Sharing

1. Transparency: By making information readily available, the government can operate more transparently, reducing corruption and building public trust.
2. Accountability: When government actions and decisions are open to public scrutiny, officials are held accountable for their performance and conduct.
3. Efficiency: Sharing information between government departments and with the public can streamline processes, reduce duplication of efforts, and improve service delivery.
4. Public Participation: Informed citizens are more likely to participate in governance processes, contributing to more democratic and responsive governance.
5. Policy Development: Access to data and information allows for evidence-based policy development and better resource allocation.

 

Example: Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is a cornerstone of information sharing in the Indian public service sector. It empowers citizens to request information from any public authority, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in government operations.

Key Features of the RTI Act

1. Right to Access Information: Citizens have the right to request information from public authorities. This includes records, documents, emails, opinions, reports, and data in any electronic form.
2. Obligation to Publish Information: Public authorities are required to proactively publish certain categories of information. This includes details about their functions, organizational structure, decision-making processes, and norms for service delivery.
3. Time-bound Response: Public authorities must respond to information requests within a specified time frame, usually 30 days. In cases involving life or liberty, the information must be provided within 48 hours.
4. Exemptions: Certain types of information are exempt from disclosure to protect national security, personal privacy, and other sensitive areas. However, even exempt information can be disclosed if the public interest outweighs the harm to protected interests.
5. Grievance Redressal: If a request for information is denied or not satisfactorily addressed, citizens can appeal to higher authorities, including the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commissions.

 

Example in Practice: RTI Act Implementation

Consider a scenario where a citizen wants to know how funds allocated for road maintenance in their locality have been used. Under the RTI Act, the citizen can file a request with the local municipal corporation asking for detailed information on the expenditure.

Steps in the Process:

1. Filing the Request: The citizen submits an RTI application, either online or in person, specifying the information sought.
2. Acknowledgment: The public authority acknowledges the receipt of the RTI application and assigns it to the relevant department.
3. Information Compilation: The concerned department compiles the requested information, which may include budgets, contracts, invoices, and progress reports on road maintenance projects.
4. Response: Within 30 days, the public authority provides the citizen with the requested information, either in print or electronic format.
5. Follow-up: If the citizen is not satisfied with the response or if there is a delay, they can file an appeal with the designated appellate authority.

 

Outcome:

• Transparency: The citizen gains insight into how public funds are being utilized.
• Accountability: If discrepancies or inefficiencies are found, the citizen can raise concerns, prompting corrective action.
• Public Participation: The citizen’s involvement highlights the importance of community oversight in governance.

 

Challenges and Improvements

While the RTI Act has been successful in promoting information sharing, several challenges remain:

• Awareness: Many citizens are still unaware of their rights under the RTI Act.
• Implementation: Some public authorities are slow to respond or lack proper record-keeping systems.
• Exemptions: Overuse of exemptions can hinder transparency.

Improvements:

• Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about their rights under the RTI Act can enhance its effectiveness.
• Capacity Building: Training government officials to handle RTI requests efficiently.
• Technology: Leveraging technology to streamline the RTI process, such as online portals for filing and tracking requests.

Conclusion

Information sharing in public services and the government of India, exemplified by the RTI Act, plays a critical role in enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance. By empowering citizens to access information, it fosters a more informed and engaged populace, ultimately contributing to better governance and public trust.

How Information sharing happens in government departments

Imagine if the Indian public service was like a giant family WhatsApp group. You know, the one where everyone from your tech-savvy cousin to your ancient great-uncle is constantly sharing updates. Now, picture the government doing something similar but with official information. That’s what information sharing in Indian public service is like!

Information Sharing in Indian Public Service: The WhatsApp Group Analogy

1. The Over-Sharer (Government Websites): Just like your aunt who posts every meal she cooks, government websites are brimming with information. From policies and budgets to press releases, it’s all out there. You might think, “Do I really need to know all this?” But hey, it’s better than being in the dark!
2. The Group Admin (RTI Act): The Right to Information (RTI) Act is like the strict group admin. Want to know how the local park’s budget is being spent? Just ask! The admin (government) is obligated to respond within 30 days, or faster if it’s a life-or-death situation—just like responding to urgent messages from Mom.
3. The Family Detective (Proactive Disclosure): Remember that one cousin who always finds out secrets before anyone else? That’s proactive disclosure. Government departments are required to put out a lot of information upfront—think of it as them airing their own dirty laundry before you get a chance to dig it up.
4. The Read Receipts (Accountability): Just like those pesky blue ticks on WhatsApp, the government’s read receipts are the audits and reviews. If they say they’ll fix the potholes in 48 hours, those blue ticks (audit reports) will confirm if they really did.
5. The Group Grievance Officer (Grievance Redressal): Every family group has that one person who steps in to resolve fights and misunderstandings. In the public service, that’s the grievance redressal mechanism. Didn’t get a response to your RTI request? Complain, escalate, and eventually, someone will resolve it, just like your peacekeeping cousin.
6. The Meme Sharer (Awareness Campaigns): And of course, to keep everyone entertained and informed, there are the government’s awareness campaigns. These are like the informative memes and forwards your tech-savvy cousin sends—sometimes useful, often amusing, and aimed at keeping everyone in the loop.
7. The Quiet Lurker (Resource Constraints): Just like that one family member who never speaks up but is always there, some government departments are present but under-resourced. They might not be as responsive or efficient, but they’re part of the group, doing their best with what they’ve got.

The Outcome: A Well-Informed Public (or a Flood of Messages?)

Information sharing in Indian public service is meant to keep citizens informed and the government accountable. Sure, sometimes it feels like a flood of messages you can’t keep up with, but at least it’s there. And just like in your family WhatsApp group, the more you engage, the more you know.

So, the next time you think about government information sharing, just picture that bustling WhatsApp group where everyone’s got something to share, from budget updates and policy changes to grievance redressals and proactive disclosures. It’s chaotic, sometimes overwhelming, but ultimately, it keeps everyone in the loop!

 

 

Transparency in Civil Services

Transparency in civil services refers to the openness and clarity with which government activities, decisions, and processes are conducted and communicated to the public. It involves making information accessible to citizens, ensuring that public officials are accountable for their actions, and fostering trust between the government and the public. In the context of Indian bureaucracy, transparency is crucial for promoting good governance, reducing corruption, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration.

Key Aspects of Transparency in Civil Services

1. Access to Information: Citizens should have the right to access government information, enabling them to understand and scrutinize government actions.
2. Clear and Open Processes: Government procedures and decision-making processes should be clearly defined and open to public scrutiny.
3. Accountability Mechanisms: Systems should be in place to hold public officials accountable for their actions and decisions.
4. Public Participation: Citizens should be encouraged and enabled to participate in governance processes.

Examples of Transparency in Indian Bureaucracy

1. Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005
   • Description: The RTI Act empowers Indian citizens to request information from any public authority, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.
   • Example: A citizen can file an RTI request to obtain information about the expenditure on local infrastructure projects. The public authority is required to respond within 30 days, providing the requested information or valid reasons for any refusal.
2. Proactive Disclosure
   • Description: Under the RTI Act, public authorities are required to proactively disclose certain categories of information, reducing the need for citizens to request it. With the help of my senior, we did this in Punjab office during my posting. We started a website to provide information to the beneficiaries.
   • Example: The Ministry of Finance regularly publishes data on government budgets, expenditure, and financial statements on its website. This proactive disclosure allows citizens to monitor government spending and fiscal policies.
3. e-Governance Initiatives
   • Description: The adoption of digital platforms for delivering government services and information enhances transparency by making processes more accessible and less prone to corruption.
   • Example: The Government of India’s e-governance platform, Digital India, includes services like e-procurement, online tax filing, and digital land records. These initiatives reduce human intervention, streamline processes, and provide citizens with easy access to information.
4. Citizen Charters
   • Description: Citizen Charters outline the standards of service delivery that citizens can expect from government departments and provide mechanisms for grievance redressal.
   • Example: The Citizen Charter of the Department of Posts in India specifies the expected timeframes for mail delivery, the process for addressing complaints, and the rights of customers. This transparency ensures that citizens are aware of the service standards and can hold the department accountable.
5. Public Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
   • Description: Systems and platforms for addressing public grievances promote transparency by ensuring that citizens’ complaints are heard and resolved in a timely manner.
   • Example: The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) allows citizens to lodge complaints regarding any government service. The platform tracks the status of grievances and ensures they are addressed by the relevant authorities.
6. Open Data Platforms
   • Description: The government’s Open Data initiative makes datasets related to various sectors publicly available for analysis and research.
   • Example: The National Data Portal (data.gov.in) provides access to a wide range of datasets, including those related to health, education, agriculture, and transport. Researchers, policymakers, and citizens can use this data to analyze government performance and suggest improvements.
7. Public Participation in Policy Making
   • Description: Engaging citizens in the policy-making process ensures transparency and inclusiveness in governance.
   • Example: The MyGov platform allows citizens to participate in discussions, submit ideas, and provide feedback on government policies and initiatives. For instance, the drafting of the National Education Policy involved extensive public consultation through MyGov.

 

Challenges to Transparency in Indian Bureaucracy

Despite these initiatives, there are several challenges to achieving full transparency in Indian civil services:

1. Bureaucratic Resistance: Some officials may resist transparency measures due to fear of increased scrutiny and accountability.
2. Implementation Gaps: The effective implementation of transparency measures can be hindered by a lack of resources, training, and infrastructure.
3. Cultural Factors: A culture of secrecy and hierarchical decision-making can impede efforts to promote transparency.
4. Limited Awareness: Citizens may not be fully aware of their rights and the available mechanisms for accessing information and participating in governance.

Conclusion

Transparency in civil services is essential for building trust between the government and the public, reducing corruption, and ensuring efficient and effective governance. Examples from Indian bureaucracy, such as the RTI Act, e-governance initiatives, and public grievance redressal systems, demonstrate the government’s efforts to enhance transparency. However, ongoing challenges must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of transparency in governance. By fostering a culture of openness and accountability, the Indian government can ensure that its actions are aligned with the interests and expectations of its citizens.

 

Right to Information

The Right to Information (RTI)

The Right to Information (RTI) refers to the legal right of citizens to access information held by public authorities. This right promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. It empowers citizens to request information, thereby ensuring that government operations are open and that officials are accountable for their actions and decisions.

Key Features of the RTI Act, 2005 (India)

The RTI Act, 2005, is a landmark legislation in India that establishes the framework for the right to information. Here are its key features:

1. Right to Access Information:
   • Citizens have the right to request information from any public authority, which includes bodies of government and non-governmental organizations substantially funded by the government.
   • Information encompasses records, documents, emails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, and data in any electronic form.
2. Proactive Disclosure:
   • Public authorities are required to proactively disclose information pertaining to their organization, functions, and duties.
   • This includes details about their decision-making processes, norms, rules, regulations, and financial statements.
3. Procedure for Requesting Information:
   • Citizens can submit a request in writing or electronically, along with a nominal fee.
   • The request must specify the information needed and must not require the applicant to provide any reasons for seeking the information.
4. Time-bound Response:
   • Public authorities must respond to RTI requests within 30 days. If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, the information must be provided within 48 hours.
   • If the request is rejected, reasons for the rejection must be provided, and the applicant must be informed of their right to appeal.
5. Exemptions:
   • Certain types of information are exempt from disclosure, such as information that affects national security, sovereignty, and integrity of India, or information that would impede the process of investigation or prosecution of offenders.
   • Personal information, which would cause unwarranted invasion of privacy, is also exempt unless it serves a larger public interest.
6. Appeals and Penalties:
   • Citizens can appeal if their request for information is denied or if they are not satisfied with the response. The first appeal lies with the senior officer in the same public authority, and the second appeal lies with the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commissions.
   • Penalties can be imposed on public information officers (PIOs) for delays, refusal to provide information, or providing false or misleading information.

Importance of RTI

1. Enhances Transparency:
   • The RTI Act ensures that government operations are open to scrutiny, reducing corruption and promoting good governance.
   • Proactive disclosure of information by public authorities helps citizens stay informed about government activities.
2. Increases Accountability:
   • By holding public officials accountable for their actions, the RTI Act fosters a culture of responsibility within public authorities.
   • Officials are aware that their decisions and actions are subject to public review, which can deter malpractices.
3. Empowers Citizens:
   • The RTI Act empowers citizens to seek information and participate more actively in governance.
   • It allows citizens to make informed decisions and to hold the government accountable for its actions.
4. Promotes Good Governance:
   • By improving transparency and accountability, the RTI Act promotes better governance practices.
   • It helps in identifying inefficiencies, misuse of public resources, and areas requiring improvement.

 

Examples of RTI in Action

1. Uncovering Scandals:
   • The RTI Act has been instrumental in uncovering major scams and irregularities in India. For example, the 2G spectrum allocation scam and the Commonwealth Games scam were brought to light through RTI queries, leading to significant political and administrative repercussions.
2. Public Service Improvements:
   • Citizens have used RTI to address issues like delayed pension payments, poor infrastructure, and irregularities in public distribution systems. By seeking information and following up on their queries, citizens have been able to pressure authorities to take corrective actions.
3. Promoting Social Justice:
   • RTI has been used to promote social justice by exposing discriminatory practices and ensuring the implementation of welfare schemes. For instance, RTI queries have helped in monitoring the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), ensuring that beneficiaries receive their due wages.

Challenges and Limitations

1. Awareness and Accessibility:
   • Despite the widespread availability of the RTI Act, many citizens, especially in rural areas, remain unaware of their rights under the Act.
   • There are also challenges related to the accessibility of information, particularly for marginalized groups.
2. Resistance from Authorities:
   • Some public authorities are resistant to sharing information and may deliberately delay or deny RTI requests.
   • There have been instances where information officers face pressure from higher-ups to withhold information.
3. Resource Constraints:
   • Public authorities often face resource constraints, including insufficient staffing and inadequate infrastructure, which can hinder their ability to process RTI requests efficiently.
4. Misuse of RTI:
   • There have been instances where the RTI Act has been misused for personal vendettas or to harass public officials.
   • Balancing the right to information with the need to protect against misuse remains a challenge.

Conclusion

The Right to Information Act, 2005, is a powerful tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment in India. By enabling citizens to access information held by public authorities, the RTI Act fosters a more open and accountable government. Despite challenges in implementation and awareness, the Act has had a significant impact on governance in India, uncovering corruption, improving public services, and promoting social justice. Continued efforts to enhance awareness, accessibility, and the efficient processing of RTI requests will further strengthen its role in ensuring good governance.

 

Ethical and Unethical uses of RTI in india

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, in India is a significant tool for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, like any powerful tool, it can be used both ethically and unethically. Here’s a breakdown of the ethical and unethical uses of RTI in India:

Ethical Uses of RTI

1. Promoting Transparency and Accountability:
   • Example: Citizens using RTI to obtain information about public spending on local infrastructure projects. This helps ensure that funds are being used appropriately and can uncover corruption or mismanagement.
2. Fighting Corruption:
   • Example: Journalists and activists filing RTI requests to expose scams and frauds, such as the 2G spectrum allocation scam or the Commonwealth Games scam. These revelations have led to significant legal and political repercussions and reforms.
3. Ensuring Implementation of Government Schemes:
   • Example: Farmers using RTI to check the status of subsidies and benefits under agricultural schemes, ensuring that the intended benefits reach them without any delay or diversion.
4. Protecting Human Rights:
   • Example: NGOs using RTI to gather data on custodial deaths or the conditions in prisons, which can then be used to push for reforms and better treatment of inmates.
5. Empowering Citizens:
   • Example: Ordinary citizens using RTI to resolve issues like delayed pension payments, irregularities in public distribution systems, or lack of basic amenities like water and electricity.
6. Improving Public Services:
   • Example: Residents using RTI to find out why a public road has not been repaired, leading to quicker action from municipal authorities once the issue is highlighted.

 

Unethical Uses of RTI

1. Harassment and Personal Vendettas:
   • Example: Individuals filing multiple RTI applications against specific public officials or agencies to harass them or settle personal scores, without any genuine public interest.
2. Misuse for Competitive Advantage:
   • Example: Businesses using RTI to gain access to sensitive information about their competitors, especially in cases where the information is not intended for public domain and can affect competitive neutrality.
3. Fishing Expeditions:
   • Example: Filing vague or overly broad RTI requests with no specific purpose, leading to unnecessary burden on public authorities to collect and provide large amounts of irrelevant data.
4. Blackmail and Extortion:
   • Example: Unscrupulous individuals using the threat of filing RTI requests to extort money from public officials or private entities by implying that they can expose wrongdoing unless paid off.
5. Political Manipulation:
   • Example: Political parties or individuals using RTI requests to gather information that can be selectively leaked or used to discredit opponents, rather than for genuine public interest.
6. Overloading the System:
   • Example: Deliberately filing an excessive number of RTI applications to overwhelm a public authority, often with the intention of causing administrative delays and disruption.

 

Balancing Ethical Use and Preventing Misuse

To ensure that the RTI Act is used ethically and effectively, the following measures can be considered:

1. Awareness and Training:
   • Educate citizens on the ethical use of RTI and the importance of asking specific, relevant questions that serve a public interest.
   • Train public officials on handling RTI requests efficiently and transparently.
2. Regulation and Oversight:
   • Strengthen oversight mechanisms to identify and address misuse of the RTI Act.
   • Implement penalties for those found guilty of filing frivolous or malicious RTI requests.
3. Streamlining Processes:
   • Develop guidelines to help public authorities manage RTI requests more effectively, ensuring that genuine requests are prioritized and addressed promptly.
   • Use technology to automate and streamline the process of filing, tracking, and responding to RTI requests.
4. Protecting Whistleblowers:
   • Ensure that whistleblowers and those using RTI for genuine public interest are protected from retaliation.
   • Create supportive environments that encourage the ethical use of RTI for transparency and accountability.

By fostering a culture of ethical use and implementing safeguards against misuse, the RTI Act can continue to serve as a powerful tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in India.

 

 

 

Movie/Real Life: “Jai Ho” (2014)

Plot: While the central theme of the movie revolves around empowering the common man to fight against corruption and unjust practices, there is a scene where RTI is referenced as a tool to demand transparency. The film shows how common people can hold the government accountable and challenge unethical behavior through various means, including RTI.

 

PE 4     Food for thought: Have you ever filed the RTI? What was the information that you asked from the public servants?

If you had to file RTI, what information you would have sought from Public Servants?

 

 

Case Study: Sunita Sharma, an IAS officer and the Public Information Officer (PIO) of a large district, receives an RTI application requesting details of a public works project. The applicant is seeking information on how funds were allocated and utilized for building a government school in a rural area.

While reviewing the request, Sunita discovers discrepancies in the financial records. Funds were misused by some government officials and contractors, and the project is incomplete despite receiving full payment. The school construction has been delayed due to this corruption, affecting hundreds of children in the area who are forced to study in a temporary, unsafe structure.

Sunita understands that fulfilling the RTI request will expose corruption, which is her duty according to the law. However, she faces significant political pressure from influential local leaders involved in the project. They threaten her career, indicating that if she discloses the information, she might face an immediate transfer or retaliation. On the other hand, ignoring or delaying the response could result in a public backlash, media attention, and loss of trust in governance.

Sunita is caught in an ethical dilemma between her legal duty to provide information transparently and the pressure to protect her career and avoid political conflict.

Ethical Dilemma:

Sunita faces two conflicting responsibilities:

1. Uphold Transparency and Provide Information under RTI: As the PIO, Sunita has a legal and ethical duty to provide the requested information and expose the misuse of public funds.
2. Yield to Political Pressure: Ignoring the RTI request or delaying the response could protect her career, prevent backlash from political leaders, and maintain her position.

Stakeholders:

1. Sunita Sharma (PIO): The civil servant responsible for providing the information.
2. RTI Applicant: Seeking information about the school project and representing public interest.
3. Local Politicians and Contractors: Involved in the corruption and pressuring Sunita to withhold information.
4. Students and Local Community: Affected by the delay in school construction and deprived of safe education facilities.
5. Government and Media: Observing Sunita’s actions, which could influence public trust in the administration.

Question 1: What are the alternatives available to Sunita Sharma?

1. Provide Complete and Accurate Information (Uphold RTI Act):
   • Pros: Fulfills her legal and ethical duty, promotes transparency, and holds corrupt officials accountable. Upholds public trust in governance.
   • Cons: Faces political backlash, risks transfer or career challenges, and may experience professional isolation or personal threats.
2. Delay or Deny the RTI Request:
   • Pros: Protects her career from immediate political repercussions, avoids conflict with powerful local leaders, and maintains her current position.
   • Cons: Violates the RTI Act and ethical principles, erodes public trust, and allows corruption to continue. Could result in media exposure and legal consequences.
3. Provide Partial Information, Omitting Sensitive Details:
   • Pros: Provides some level of response to the RTI request, while protecting her from political backlash. Could balance transparency and personal safety.
   • Cons: Fails to fully uphold the RTI Act, protects corrupt officials, and still violates ethical standards. May lead to further scrutiny if the applicant pursues an appeal.
4. Report the Issue to Higher Authorities:
   • Pros: Escalates the issue to higher authorities, bringing attention to corruption and ensuring accountability. Could reduce personal responsibility for the decision.
   • Cons: Delays the release of information, and may not prevent political backlash. The issue may still affect her career depending on how higher authorities handle it.

Question 2: What is the best alternative?

The best option is to provide complete and accurate information as per the RTI Act, while simultaneously reporting the issue to higher authorities to ensure that the matter is handled transparently and ethically at a higher level.

Solution:

Sunita should prioritize her ethical responsibility and legal duty by providing the requested information under the RTI Act. This decision aligns with the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity in public administration. She must resist political pressure and protect the public interest, especially since the school project directly impacts children and the local community.

Steps to Implement the Solution:

1. Release Complete Information: Sunita should disclose all relevant details about the misuse of funds and the delayed school project, as per the RTI request. This action will expose the corruption and ensure that the RTI Act is upheld.
2. Simultaneously Report to Higher Authorities: While fulfilling the RTI request, Sunita should also inform higher authorities (e.g., the District Magistrate or State Government) about the corruption and political pressure she is facing. This will ensure that the matter is addressed with broader institutional support and may reduce the political risks she faces.
3. Engage with Local Community and Media: By being transparent and communicating the steps she has taken; Sunita can build public trust and highlight her commitment to ethical governance. This could also help protect her from political retaliation by ensuring that her actions are publicly supported.
4. Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures: In addition to providing the information, Sunita can recommend a formal investigation into the project to ensure that those responsible for the misuse of funds are held accountable.

Justification:

By choosing to provide the information and uphold the RTI Act, Sunita is fulfilling her role as a public servant committed to transparency and accountability. Although the risk of political backlash is real, the long-term consequences of failing to act ethically—such as the erosion of public trust and continued corruption—would be far more damaging. Moreover, reporting the matter to higher authorities adds a layer of protection for Sunita, as it shifts some responsibility to those in higher positions.

This case underscores the importance of civil servants adhering to ethical standards, resisting undue pressure, and maintaining public trust in government institutions through transparency and integrity.

 

PE 8    Practice Q
Explain the ethical implications of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in ensuring transparency and accountability in public administration.

Discuss how RTI has empowered citizens to hold public officials accountable. Provide examples of its impact on governance.

What are the challenges faced by public officials in implementing RTI? How can these challenges be addressed while upholding ethical principles?

How does information sharing promote ethical governance? Illustrate with examples how timely and accurate information sharing strengthens public trust.

PE 9     Glossary

RTI (Right to Information): RTI is a legal mechanism that empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency, accountability, and ensuring informed citizen participation in governance.

Information Sharing: Information sharing refers to the process by which information is disseminated between individuals, organizations, or public entities, ensuring transparency, collaboration, and informed decision-making.

Public Participation: Public participation involves the active engagement of citizens in the decision-making processes of governance, ensuring that their opinions, needs, and interests are considered in policy and program development.

PE 10   Mind Map: Done