Access to information: BNU to build awareness and capacity regarding RTI

The project includes holding dialogue and youth mobilisation activities.

LAHORE:

In an attempt to support the implementation of Punjab Transparency and Right to Information (RTI) Act 2013, the Beaconhouse National University (BNU) is building capacity to generate greater awareness through a pilot project in selected districts of Punjab.

Supported by the World Bank under the sub-national governance funding linked with the Bank’s Punjab Public Management Reform Project, the project is led by a creative cell formed under the Centre for Art and Design Education and Research (CADER) at the School of Visual Arts and Design. The pilot project would be implemented in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan.

According to a statement issued by the varsity on Friday, the project has two main components; conducting dialogue, and youth mobilisation activities. The project intends to highlight the importance of Right to Information and its implementation by stimulating dialogue and discussions among think tanks.

Under the project, the Beaconhouse National University will also raise awareness and build capacity of youth in educational institutions at the local level in order to improve their knowledge of the Right to Information law and related processes. The university hopes that this would enable students to inform society about their rights under the law and utilise it to improve conditions.

The Punjab government enacted the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 on December 16 last year, aiming to promote free flow of public information to ensure accountability and transparency in the functioning of public bodies.

Under the project, workshops and competitions will be held in the three districts, involving students of public and private colleges, lawyers, journalists, politicians, academics, civil servants and non-government sector representatives.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2014.