Citizens can report irregularities, such as expired products, metrological fraud and others directly to responsible state institutions through the web-platform Imi Pasa (I Care). Imipasa.md is a platform that was conceived in 2015 by the Social Innovation Lab MiLab - a joint UNDP and E-Government Center project, IPN reports.
The institutions in charge will analyze the reports submitted by citizens and their examination status will be published online. From the start, the Consumer Protection Agency and the State Tax Inspectorate expressed their interest to take part in the project. However, fiscal irregularities could be reported on the platform in a short while after launching.
“The Imi Pasa initiative will contribute to raising awareness of consumer rights, increase civic participation and send a clear “Zero Tolerance” message to corrupt practices in the marketplace,” said British Ambassador in Chisinau Phil Batson.
“This platform allows direct communication between public institutions and citizens that will serve as a feedback mechanism to demonstrate to people the actions taken by public authorities in response to people’s requests,” said Narine Sahakyan, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.
Through www.imipasa.md citizens can report frauds detected in their everyday life, such as the difference between the shelf-cashbox price, expired products, absence of information in the state language on the products, metrological (weights and measures) deception/fraud, etc.
A sum of US$13,000 was spent on working out the web-platform. To demonstrate the positive impact of civic accountability and to motivate people to get engaged in their community, the portal users will be able to participate in a community projects contest. Users will put forward project ideas that will benefit their community and will vote for the ones with the most positive impact. A selection committee consisting of project partners will pick the best four projects for funding, out of the ten most popular ideas. For the purpose, the UK offered €10,000.
