Uzbekistan may require disclosure of gifts and charity data

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has proposed expanding the list of publicly significant information that must be disclosed as open data by government bodies. The draft presidential decree has been published for public discussion on the regulation.gov.uz portal until 18 June.

The document would amend the current list of open data approved by a presidential decree dated 16 June 2021 on measures to ensure transparency in the activities of state bodies and strengthen public oversight.

The initiative was put forward by the Anti-Corruption Agency, which says the expansion is necessary to increase the volume of publicly relevant data in line with the development of digital technologies and user demand.

Under the proposal, authorities would be required to publish monthly results of the review of pre-project and project documentation for construction objects considered by architectural and urban planning councils in Karakalpakstan, the regions, and Tashkent. The data would be published on open data portals and official government websites, with regional hokimiyats and the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services designated as responsible bodies.

In addition, the proposal would oblige the Inspection for Control in Construction and Housing and Communal Services to publish monthly information on issued construction permits and commissioning certificates for completed facilities.

A separate section of the initiative concerns the disclosure of information on gifts received by civil servants during official business trips, with certain exceptions provided by law.

The draft also proposes quarterly publication of data on sponsorship and charitable assistance received by government bodies and organisations, as well as funds transferred by state-owned enterprises and companies with a state share of 50% or more.