Development Journalism: A Catalyst for Positive Change

The importance of development journalism in a developing country like India can seldom be overemphasised. It assumes special significance today with the Union Government's renewed focus on development through such crucial programmes as Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), the National Food Security Act and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. While these programmes were launched by the Manmohan Singh government, the Narendra Modi government has decided to continue them with some changes. As development journalism is a purveyor and catalyst for positive change, the researcher intends to examine the three big ticket programmes which are expected to be game changers in transforming rural India. Stories that inspire confidence about the creative potential at the grassroots will also be examined. Some of the innovative development programmes which need media attention and replication in the country include the PURA Connectivity Experiment in Tamil Nadu and the Narendra Modi government's Rurban Mission; Dr M.S. Swaminathan Foundation's Fellowship Programme; the Synergy Mission by Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal; and the Oswal project of the Wardhaman Group in Punjab's Bathinda district.