While participation is a must in the field of community governance, media cannot be left behind in the process. The media can disseminate information, create public opinion and bring social changes.
This was the common view at a workshop on ‘Role of media in community governance’ organised by the Odisha chapter of the Practical Action, an international NGO, here on Saturday. The speakers said the media should come forward to discuss and suggest on various matters of public concern including people’s participation in decision making process for execution of Government schemes.
“Planning should be executed at the grassroots level. Apart from media and NGOs, there should be involvement of public at large in the community governance system to carry out the developmental works effectively,” said senior journalist Prafulla Das.
The media should strive to give an accurate, independent account of a new story, said project manager of the Community Governance Project, Practical Action Rashmi Patel.