The Government of India, under the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), is in the process of proactively releasing a large number of Government datasets from various departments to enhance delivery of government information, foster innovation; promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance. To boost innovation through Open Government Data and engage start-up & developer community to build an open data ecosystem, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in association with NASSCOM organized a conference on “#OpenDataApps for Innovation in Governance” here today. The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of Communications & Information Technology, Shri Kapil Sibal.
Shri Sibal also released a data portal, the single window access to Open Government Data. The portal could have a significant impact on enhancing the reach and accessibility of Government services and information though innovative apps around the Open Data. The Open Government Data initiative of India is not only a step towards greater transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in governance, but also a platform for innovation
NIC, Department of Electronics & Information Technology has setup the Data Portal (http://data.gov.in) and has been implementing the Open Government initiative of the country. So far 3500+ datasets from 49 departments have been published on the portal , and the number is increasing every day. During a pilot exercise with Delhi University, NIC could exploit the potential of students for development of Mobile and Web Apps using Open Data. Some of those Apps demonstrated are on current Mandi Prices, Export Import policies, Postal services, habitation level facility of Piped Water and Sanitation. These are available through http://data.gov.in and one can install those in a Smartphone or access using a Web Browser for availing enhanced Government information and services.
NIC in association with NASSCOM, has also organized an “#OpenDataApps Challenge” inviting Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Start-ups, Developers, Civil Society and IT industry to create unique and useful Apps for cross platform and device ranging from Mobile/Tablet, Web, SMS to Voice based applications using Open Government Data.