Upholding Freedom of Expression

Last week, 33 organizations across India issued the following statement in support of Tehelka reporter Shahina KK. She faces charges from the Karnataka Police under IPC 506 for intimidating witnesses. Her expose in The Tehelka showed how the police case against Abdul Nasar Madani, head of the People's Democratic Front (PDP), accused in 2008 Bengaluru blasts, was fragile and based on non-existent and false testimonies. Read more
We the following organizations express our strong concern about the charges framed by Karnataka police against journalist Shahina KK for her investigative report on the Bangalore bomb blast case. Her recent article which showed that witnesses in the Bangalore blast case were fragile, false and forced has led her to be implicated under charges of IPC 506 which can lead to seven years of imprisonment.

The accusation of the Karnataka police is that she 'intimidated the key witnesses' in the Bangalore bomb blast case during the course of her article. The accusations of the police were also carried by the local news papers as a "suspicious" visit by a “group of Muslims” to the place. The newspapers said that police were not sure about the identity of the woman, though she had shown a Tehelka identity card!

Describing the incident in the article Shahina has pointed out that on her way to meet the witnesses, she and her colleagues were tailed by the police and received calls from the circle inspector, who enquired if Shahina was a terrorist!

The case is not against her as an individual but it is a warning to the entire media community, women and minorities. We strongly condemn the attitude of the police in framing false charges against a reputed journalist in a nationally renowned magazine. We are aware that if the police can go to that extent, what the status of ordinary members of the minority community could be. We also condemn the tradition of some of the members of the press to repeat the false information of the police, which has very deep communal implications. We are shocked at the growing human rights violations in the name of tackling terrorism. Above all, the problems faced by Shahina are also a grave threat to freedom of expression and the incidents also warn us about the fascistic designs of the Sangh Parivar controlled Karnataka Government.

We strongly urge the Karnataka Government to drop the charges against Shahina and create a harmonious environment for both freedom of expression as well as for the minorities.

We appeal to all secular and democratic forces to express support for all similar victims of false charges faced by those who are regularly branded and charged due to the expression of the misuse of powers of the State machinery.

Endorsing organizations:1. All india Secular Forum
2. People's Union for Civil Liberties
3. Keraleeyam Magazine, Thrissur
4. Padabhedam Magazine, Calicut
5. INSAF
6. Kerala Tourism Watch
7. South Indian Cell for Human Rights Education & Monitoring (SICHREM), Bangalore
8. ViBGYOR Film Collective, Thrissur
9. Common Concerns, Orissa
10. Moving Republic, Bangalore
11. Visual Search, Bangalore
12. New Socialist Alternative, Bangalore
13. Pedestrian Pictures
14. Kabani- The Other Direction
15. Orissa Concerns.net
16. Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike
17. Vettiver Collective, Chennai
18. Campaign for Justice and Peace-Tamil Nadu
19. Saheli, Delhi
20. South Asia Citizens Web (sacw.net)
21. Centre for Harmony and Peace, Varanasi
22. Dalit Mukti Morcha Chhattisgarh
23. Nava Janadhipthya Prasthanam (NDM)
24. Rural Education for Development Society, Tumkur
25. Booshakthi Vedike, Karnataka
26. Dalit Panchayat Movement, Tumkur District
27. Delhi Forum
28. Programme For Social Action
29. Asian Media Forum
30. Infochange Social Media, Pune
31. National Coailation for Social Watch, Delhi
32. Context India, Bangalore
33. Manasi Swasthya Sansthan,Indore

Pushpa Achanta

(The author is a freelance writer, a Fellow of Citizen News Service (CNS) Writers' Bureau, and a community volunteer based in Bangalore, India)

Sting operations are morally, ethically and professionally wrong: Kuldip Nayar

Bara Banki: "Sting operations are morally, ethically and professionally wrong, they are pure drama and stunt, aimed at creating sensationalism. This is not responsible journalism." These were the views of veteran journalist and chief patron of Media Nest, while speaking in a seminar "Sting operation: trial by fire", organized by Media Nest at Jahangirabad Media Institute  at Bara Banki on 13 November 2010. Read more

Media Nest, a registered pan India forum of media professionals had organized the seminar as part of its day long celebrations on its third anniversary.

Asserting that if the means are wrong the results cannot be right Mr. Nayar urged media persons to practice responsible journalism and to follow the code of ethical reporting norms. He said the work of a journalist is to report the truth and only the truth and he should not act as a CID or policeman.
“Media is the Fourth Estate of a democracy and must be strongly rooted in truth, if they do not speak the truth who will,” said Mr. Nayar  

Editor of Urdu weekly Jadeed Markaz, Hissamul Siddiqui in his address earlier termed sting as a “blatant invasion of one’s privacy.”

“Sting is a dangerous trend. Mainly done due to personal and professional rivalry, mostly staged managed, sting is driven by vested and commercial interests and the sting targets are on ‘soft targets,” said Siddiqui blaming media for cheating its viewers into believing which is not the truth.
Agreeing with him in the tenor was senior BBC correspondent Ramdutt Tripathi

“The first pre-requisite of journalism is that the reporter should be ‘detached’ from the subject, but this is not possible in a sting because the reporter is a party to the whole thing. Therefore sting violates the reporter’s code of ethics,” said Mr. Tripathi.    

But speakers like ETV senior correspondent Khurram Nizami, and senior journalist and President of Media Nest, Sharat Pradhan defended sting saying it is essential and vital in today’s world where corruption is rampant.

Going into the genesis of sting, Khurram who has done many sting operations said that requires time, effort and through planning. He said before a sting operation the essential thing is to have all the evidence and documents in one’s hand.

“Sting is a double edged sword, it should be used carefully. It must be ensured that it is being done to benefit society and is not aimed at raising the TRP of the channel,” said Nizami.

“We need sting operations to expose the untruth,” asserted Sharat Pradhan adding that if the aim is pious the means used can be justified.”

Ajay Upreti, The Week’s senior correspondent spoke about sting and how it evolved.

Though the speakers differed in their views on the subject they all said that any sting or report in public interest and in the national security is justified.

The secretary general of Media Nest, Kulsum Talha in her welcome address talked about how Media Nest came along and how it has been working. She highlighted the major events of these three years.
MN will on the day also announce its three flagship programme -Medical group insurance for Media persons and families, special health camps plans for media persons and lastly computer literacy workshops for retired and journalists of remote districts.

“It has been the privilege of Media Nest, to work with UNICEF as partners on vital children’s issue for the past several years. In a historic move, still unparallel by any other press body, the UP Press Club has been generous to open its premises two afternoons, every month, for engaging with children’ issues (Media for Children). From May 2010, on the special request of the other Press Clubs Media Nest has been holding a session on children every month at different Press Clubs in the district,” informed Ms Talha.

In the second half of the celebrations Media for Children was held. “Babu behni manch children who had come from Maharajganj, Gorakhpur spoke about their work in highlighting Children’s rights.
“They do this through mimes, corner plays, sketches, comic,” said Ramachandra of J N K Plan, which had trained children on media advocacy.  

Media Nest has through Media for Children attempted to ensure that the children of Uttar Pradesh, especially those from the under-privileged section of society get a voice, their demands are heard and their pain shared. M4C is   ‘media movement for children’.

The programme was conducted by journalist Durgesh Narain Shukla.

Kulsum Mustafa
(The author is a senior journalist and also serves as Secretary General of Media Nest)

NAPM on Curbing the Freedom of Speech of Arundhati Roy

Photo credit: wondersofpakistan.blogspot.com

Statement by NAPM
Arundhati Roy, in articulating the sentiments of the people of Kashmir valley, has said nothing offensive or seditious. It is unfortunate the sections of the media reported only selective parts of her speech to sensationalise what she said. It is also unfortunate and condemnable the attempts by some political parties to seek strong action against her on the basis of these reports. Read more


It is reported by people who were present at the program that Arundhati Roy, while endorsing the demand of Azaadi for Kashmir, reminded the audience of the need for the people of Kashmir not to be selective about justice and injustice, that they must find methods to forge webs of solidarity with all the suffering and oppressed peoples of India. She also spoke unambiguously about the fact that she considered the situation of Kashmiri Pandits to be a tragedy.

Even members of the all party delegation to the valley a few weeks back reported that what Arundhati said was only an echo of the aspirations of the Kashmir people. As a public intellectual, she has the liberty to air her views and silencing such voices would be a threat to the democratic fabric of this country. It is unfortunate that the concept of nation and nationalism seem to be so fragile to some politicians that it starts tumbling when somebody talks differently about it.

We strongly deplore the threats issued to Arundhati Roy by Bajrang Dal and appeal to all sections of the population to isolate such elements.

We support the process initiated by the interlocutors in the valley for a dialogue with all sections of the population.  However, we strongly feel that the dialogue cannot be done in a vacuum and disassociate itself from what has been happening in the valley past. A conducive atmosphere needs to be created to win the confidence of the people and to establish the genuine intentions of the government.

At the very least, the government should repeal the draconian laws; release political detainees and prisoners; withdraw disproportionate presence of the armed forces and punish those guilty of taking life in the past few months and start a political dialogue to resolve the current situation.
  
Medha Patkar, Sandeep Pandey, Anand Mazgaonkar, Vimal Bhai, Rajendra Ravi, Mukta Srivastava, Sister Celia, Ramakrishna Raju, Madhuresh Kumar
National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM)

West Bengal authorities put media's credibility at stake

West Bengal authorities put media's credibility at stake

A growing outrage is palpable from the civil society against the abuse of media's credibility to arrest Chhatradhar Mahto, the leader of Lalgarh movement in West Bengal, India.

The West Bengal police and authorities disguised as a fake media representative and with the assistance of a local media personnel, managed to reach Chhatradhar Mahto. Mahto was arrested then.

Dr Vishnu Rajgadia, Secretary of Jharkhand RTI Forum and a noted social activist, took the initiative with support from National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) leaders to begin a signature petition campaign demanding the Prime Minister of India to intervene and stop this trend which is jeopardising the credibility of media in India. Citizens have mobilized individuals to sign a petition against the misuse of media's credibility in West Bengal to arrest Mahto. The signature petition got hundreds of signatures from citizens in a short span of time (signature petition is online here). Prominent among those include the Magsaysay Awardee (2002) Dr Sandeep Pandey, noted Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) activist and adviser to Supreme Court Commissioner on Right to Food Arundhati Dhuru, filmmaker Anand Patwardhan,

"The West Bangal police has misused the credibility of media to arrest a leader of Lalgarh movement, Chhatradhar Mahto on 26 September 2009. This is very objectionable as it is a misuse of the credibility and good name of the media. This is also an encroachment in the autonomy of Media" says Dr Vishnu Rajgadia.

"This will create various problems for the journalists including the threat of their life during reporting in any so-called disturbed area. Therefore, we request you all to consider signing the online petition to protest the misuse by West Bengal police and to support a law to prevent such possibilities" further adds Dr Rajgadia, who began the petition on behalf of several human rights organizations.

It poses serious questions on the way police is functioning in a democratic country. Draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and other such Acts which are rule of the law in other states like Chhattisgarh, have only caused seemingly irreparable damage to social democratic fabric.

When media used disguise to conduct sting operations, the authorities took them to task and hardly any concrete action has come out of the evidence collected thereby in public interest. However authorities shamelessly have used the disguise of media and put media's credibility at risk in West Bengal.

"In a democratic country like India, each and every institution has its own duties as well as each of them have been provided certain space, authority and liberty to execute their responsibility. No institution has any right to encroach the autonomy of other institution" says the petition.

"The media persons are visiting in various remote areas including "Disturbed" fields and they also have to meet with various people including any accused person to collect news and to expose various socio-political-economic conflicts of the society. The media has a credit to keep its sources secret and to not harm somebody during their news gathering process" further states the petition.

"Therefore, the act of West Bengal Government through its CID and Police is totally unethical and unjust. It has created a big threat to the media persons especially for them who are visiting to various remote areas of so-called insurgency. Now, every body will suspect the identity of even the genuine media persons putting them at grave risk" says the petition.

The petition also demands a law in place to prevent any such abuse of media in future. Hope effective measures to safeguard media from any such misuse in future get in place as soon as possible.

[To sign the petition, click here or go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/wbmisuse/petition.html ]

Published in:
Modern Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Sahil Online News, Karnataka, India
Thai-Indian News, Bangkok, Thailand
The Colombo Times, Sri Lanka
Citizen News Service (CNS)
World News Network, USA
Pakistan Christian Post, Pakistan
The New Nation, Bangladesh
Elites TV, USA
Bihar and jharkhand News, Bihar And Jharkhan, India
West Bengal News, India
Silobreaker.com
Wikio.com
Mediakhabar.com
Media Days

West Bengal authorities put media's credibility at stake

West Bengal authorities put media's credibility at stake

A growing outrage is palpable from the civil society against the abuse of media's credibility to arrest Chhatradhar Mahto, the leader of Lalgarh movement in West Bengal, India.

The West Bengal police and authorities disguised as a fake media representative and with the assistance of a local media personnel, managed to reach Chhatradhar Mahto. Mahto was arrested then.

Dr Vishnu Rajgadia, Secretary of Jharkhand RTI Forum and a noted social activist, took the initiative with support from National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) leaders to begin a signature petition campaign demanding the Prime Minister of India to intervene and stop this trend which is jeopardising the credibility of media in India. Citizens have mobilized individuals to sign a petition against the misuse of media's credibility in West Bengal to arrest Mahto. The signature petition got hundreds of signatures from citizens in a short span of time (signature petition is online here). Prominent among those include the Magsaysay Awardee (2002) Dr Sandeep Pandey, noted Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) activist and adviser to Supreme Court Commissioner on Right to Food Arundhati Dhuru, filmmaker Anand Patwardhan,

"The West Bangal police has misused the credibility of media to arrest a leader of Lalgarh movement, Chhatradhar Mahto on 26 September 2009. This is very objectionable as it is a misuse of the credibility and good name of the media. This is also an encroachment in the autonomy of Media" says Dr Vishnu Rajgadia.

"This will create various problems for the journalists including the threat of their life during reporting in any so-called disturbed area. Therefore, we request you all to consider signing the online petition to protest the misuse by West Bengal police and to support a law to prevent such possibilities" further adds Dr Rajgadia, who began the petition on behalf of several human rights organizations.

It poses serious questions on the way police is functioning in a democratic country. Draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and other such Acts which are rule of the law in other states like Chhattisgarh, have only caused seemingly irreparable damage to social democratic fabric.

When media used disguise to conduct sting operations, the authorities took them to task and hardly any concrete action has come out of the evidence collected thereby in public interest. However authorities shamelessly have used the disguise of media and put media's credibility at risk in West Bengal.

"In a democratic country like India, each and every institution has its own duties as well as each of them have been provided certain space, authority and liberty to execute their responsibility. No institution has any right to encroach the autonomy of other institution" says the petition.

"The media persons are visiting in various remote areas including "Disturbed" fields and they also have to meet with various people including any accused person to collect news and to expose various socio-political-economic conflicts of the society. The media has a credit to keep its sources secret and to not harm somebody during their news gathering process" further states the petition.

"Therefore, the act of West Bengal Government through its CID and Police is totally unethical and unjust. It has created a big threat to the media persons especially for them who are visiting to various remote areas of so-called insurgency. Now, every body will suspect the identity of even the genuine media persons putting them at grave risk" says the petition.

The petition also demands a law in place to prevent any such abuse of media in future. Hope effective measures to safeguard media from any such misuse in future get in place as soon as possible.

[To sign the petition, click here or go to: http://www.petitiononline.com/wbmisuse/petition.html ]

Published in:
Modern Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Sahil Online News, Karnataka, India
Thai-Indian News, Bangkok, Thailand
The Colombo Times, Sri Lanka
Citizen News Service (CNS)
World News Network, USA
Pakistan Christian Post, Pakistan
The New Nation, Bangladesh
Elites TV, USA
Bihar and jharkhand News, Bihar And Jharkhan, India
West Bengal News, India
Silobreaker.com
Wikio.com
Mediakhabar.com
Media Days

Lend me your ears, not just your voice

Lend me your ears, not just your voice
Bindu Gurtoo

It seems that we in India cannot converse, discourse or speak coherently and courteously on an issue. For all our constant glorification of our venerable arts and culture, the art of conversation seems to have completely eluded us. We think nothing of butting in, of rudely interrupting a speaker in mid sentence or of expressing our dissent by out shouting other participants. As for politely waiting for one’s turn, whatever is that?

This habit becomes magnified in televised discussions and debates. The television camera amplifies the empty sound and fury of the Indian speaker. It vividly reveals the Indian speaker’s unwillingness to lend his ear to anyone but himself. Last year’s furore over the Shri Ram Sene attack on women pub goers had yielded a bumper crop of panel discussions on all television channels. People of all ages, backgrounds, and sexes went on air to volubly hurl forth their points of view at each other.

Let me describe one such heated discussion on the pub culture which I happened to catch on one news channel. The panel consisted of an old gentleman in grey tweeds, quite the stereotype of the stern patriarch, a middle aged conservatively dressed and confidently bi-lingual lady representing the Indian woman, a suave hotelier from Bangalore and last, but definitely not the least, a representative of the Indian youth, an MTV roadie, a specimen (one couldn’t quite call him human)…but more on him later.

Now as far as television is concerned, the trend seems to be that greater the number of news channels, the more trivial the issues under discussion and the more raucous the debate. This particular show was no different. The panel members talked all at once and then inexplicably fell silent, although for a very brief moment, after which the babble was resumed with fresh vigour. They regularly fiddled with their earpieces which made one suspect an ear wax problem. There probably was a buildup of ear wax for they failed to hear each other out at all. In the ensuing verbal bedlam, the moderator lost sight of the real issue, that of personal choice and public censure.

The geriatric gentleman seemed to believe that his grey hair entitled him to shove his views down the collective throat of the youth. He spoke loudly. (When will speakers on television realize that the idiot box is equipped with volume control? They needn’t shout to be heard!) He swore by the sanctity of Indian culture. He also, quite annoyingly, grumbled and sniggered constantly when the others spoke! In the process, he lost the respect that age and experience should have granted him.

The lady was no less, though she kept to lower decibels (then again, it could be that she did not possess the requisite vocal chords…). A highly qualified person, she stuck to her line like a leech, regardless of what her fellow speakers had to say. Things were a tad tough for her considering that she was representing the emancipated Indian woman. And the trouble with representing the emancipated Indian women is that they come in a great variety, each as plausible as the other.

The hotelier was the mildest of the lot. He faithfully clung to the officially correct line of argument trying to please both the law and the customer … He did look bored, but, he was probably there for the publicity. After all, these are the times of global recession …

At last we come to that representative of the Indian youth, the MTV roadie. By the way, that’s a rather sixties term for an icon of the twenty first century youth. The term is a bit ridiculous too. Imagine calling a frequent flier airie or worse, a windie? Or the one who sails, can he be called waterie? Seriously though, the Indian youth must lodge an official protest to that news channel for foisting that miserable being as an icon upon them. First, because he seemed to be in his thirties (though, to be fair to him he did make a brave attempt to fit the role). Secondly we, as Indians, are extremely proud of our young women and men. The Indian youth is intelligent, hardworking, spirited and the reason behind “India Shining”. This particularly uncouth representative was none of the above. He brandished the juvenile, “Teachers, leave them kids alone!” school boy mantra as his perspective on the issue. His manner was churlish, melodramatic and well, quite, quite roadie.

In all the shouting, the vociferous arguments and the gesticulating, the issue under consideration received hardly any serious consideration at all. The moderator could do precious little as the participants assaulted the viewers’ ears and intelligence with their cacophony.

Cut to a discussion on an international news channel at the same time. The issue under discussion was the Israeli- Palestinian conflict and the speakers represented the two perpetually warring nations. The two countries had just finished fighting a bloody battle that had left thousands dead or wounded, yet, the participants were dignity personified. They were coherent, articulate, courteous and completely shorn of any histrionics. They placed their arguments with objectivity and gravity that the issue deserved. Most importantly, they did not shout! As a viewer, one could comprehend their points of view. The neat summation by the moderator at the conclusion of the discussion left one with the satisfaction of having heard something of substance.

Urban Indians, flush with their well earned wealth, are quickly acquiring a taste for the good things of life. They need to take lessons in the fine art of conversation as well. Only then will the urban Indian become truly urbane. We are an educationally accomplished and economically vibrant country. Let us also make a sincere effort to be a polite, well mannered one, whose citizens voice their opinions in well modulated polite tones allowing all a fair chance to express themselves without being verbally lynched for daring to speak.

Bindu Gurtoo

Lend me your ears, not just your voice

Lend me your ears, not just your voice
Bindu Gurtoo

It seems that we in India cannot converse, discourse or speak coherently and courteously on an issue. For all our constant glorification of our venerable arts and culture, the art of conversation seems to have completely eluded us. We think nothing of butting in, of rudely interrupting a speaker in mid sentence or of expressing our dissent by out shouting other participants. As for politely waiting for one’s turn, whatever is that?

This habit becomes magnified in televised discussions and debates. The television camera amplifies the empty sound and fury of the Indian speaker. It vividly reveals the Indian speaker’s unwillingness to lend his ear to anyone but himself. Last year’s furore over the Shri Ram Sene attack on women pub goers had yielded a bumper crop of panel discussions on all television channels. People of all ages, backgrounds, and sexes went on air to volubly hurl forth their points of view at each other.

Let me describe one such heated discussion on the pub culture which I happened to catch on one news channel. The panel consisted of an old gentleman in grey tweeds, quite the stereotype of the stern patriarch, a middle aged conservatively dressed and confidently bi-lingual lady representing the Indian woman, a suave hotelier from Bangalore and last, but definitely not the least, a representative of the Indian youth, an MTV roadie, a specimen (one couldn’t quite call him human)…but more on him later.

Now as far as television is concerned, the trend seems to be that greater the number of news channels, the more trivial the issues under discussion and the more raucous the debate. This particular show was no different. The panel members talked all at once and then inexplicably fell silent, although for a very brief moment, after which the babble was resumed with fresh vigour. They regularly fiddled with their earpieces which made one suspect an ear wax problem. There probably was a buildup of ear wax for they failed to hear each other out at all. In the ensuing verbal bedlam, the moderator lost sight of the real issue, that of personal choice and public censure.

The geriatric gentleman seemed to believe that his grey hair entitled him to shove his views down the collective throat of the youth. He spoke loudly. (When will speakers on television realize that the idiot box is equipped with volume control? They needn’t shout to be heard!) He swore by the sanctity of Indian culture. He also, quite annoyingly, grumbled and sniggered constantly when the others spoke! In the process, he lost the respect that age and experience should have granted him.

The lady was no less, though she kept to lower decibels (then again, it could be that she did not possess the requisite vocal chords…). A highly qualified person, she stuck to her line like a leech, regardless of what her fellow speakers had to say. Things were a tad tough for her considering that she was representing the emancipated Indian woman. And the trouble with representing the emancipated Indian women is that they come in a great variety, each as plausible as the other.

The hotelier was the mildest of the lot. He faithfully clung to the officially correct line of argument trying to please both the law and the customer … He did look bored, but, he was probably there for the publicity. After all, these are the times of global recession …

At last we come to that representative of the Indian youth, the MTV roadie. By the way, that’s a rather sixties term for an icon of the twenty first century youth. The term is a bit ridiculous too. Imagine calling a frequent flier airie or worse, a windie? Or the one who sails, can he be called waterie? Seriously though, the Indian youth must lodge an official protest to that news channel for foisting that miserable being as an icon upon them. First, because he seemed to be in his thirties (though, to be fair to him he did make a brave attempt to fit the role). Secondly we, as Indians, are extremely proud of our young women and men. The Indian youth is intelligent, hardworking, spirited and the reason behind “India Shining”. This particularly uncouth representative was none of the above. He brandished the juvenile, “Teachers, leave them kids alone!” school boy mantra as his perspective on the issue. His manner was churlish, melodramatic and well, quite, quite roadie.

In all the shouting, the vociferous arguments and the gesticulating, the issue under consideration received hardly any serious consideration at all. The moderator could do precious little as the participants assaulted the viewers’ ears and intelligence with their cacophony.

Cut to a discussion on an international news channel at the same time. The issue under discussion was the Israeli- Palestinian conflict and the speakers represented the two perpetually warring nations. The two countries had just finished fighting a bloody battle that had left thousands dead or wounded, yet, the participants were dignity personified. They were coherent, articulate, courteous and completely shorn of any histrionics. They placed their arguments with objectivity and gravity that the issue deserved. Most importantly, they did not shout! As a viewer, one could comprehend their points of view. The neat summation by the moderator at the conclusion of the discussion left one with the satisfaction of having heard something of substance.

Urban Indians, flush with their well earned wealth, are quickly acquiring a taste for the good things of life. They need to take lessons in the fine art of conversation as well. Only then will the urban Indian become truly urbane. We are an educationally accomplished and economically vibrant country. Let us also make a sincere effort to be a polite, well mannered one, whose citizens voice their opinions in well modulated polite tones allowing all a fair chance to express themselves without being verbally lynched for daring to speak.

Bindu Gurtoo

Role of media in elections

Role of media in elections
[To read this statement in Hindi language, click here]

[To sign the petition, click here]

We, the citizens, are deeply concerned about the blatant misuse of print and electronic media by parties and candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections in 2009 and about the media allowing itself to be abused. This constitutes a gross breach of trust with the reader/viewer who expects unbiased and fair news coverage during elections. Moreover, the media, blatantly violating the Press Council of India’s Guidelines of Election Reporting -1996, stands discredited so far as its role as fourth pillar of the democracy is concerned.

The distinction between news, views and political campaigning (read advertising) is no longer clear. The use of 'advt' or 'marketing media initiative' tag in small font-size printed is not sufficient to inform the reader whether the content is news, views or paid advertising by an election candidate. Some newspapers don’t even care to put this small print.

Broadly speaking, the influence of marketing heads is growing over the influence of editors within media houses in decision-making related to the content. The person who collects advertisements for media and acts as a correspondent, is often the same in smaller districts and sub-district places. These people enjoy due media accreditation and often promote those who issue advertisements (and block those who don't).

The amount which is spent on paid advertising, advertorials and other manners like 'marketing media initiative' and likes, to solicit earned and paid media coverage of a candidate during elections, often crosses the spending cap of Rs 25 lakhs. Hence, media is colluding with parties and candidates in violating the model code of conduct during elections. Moreover, the transactions for advertisements in the garb of news items are not even shown in the records. Newspapers are not required to file financial statements to their regulatory authorities as a result of which it is difficult to know their exact incomes or the sources on this account. They should be required to do so partywise & candidatewise so that the figures given by the candidates may be cross-checked.

There is a need to enact a law to regulate political parties. The ceiling should be all inclusive covering expenditure by friends & relatives also which is not included at present and is used to flout the ceiling. Also the penalty on violating the spending cap in elections should be more severe and applicable on the current election cycle as well. Presently the action taken on violating the spending cap is applicable to next election cycle only, which is clearly not a deterrent.

The electronic media must also have an equivalent of a Press Council to govern their conduct.

We also support the growing demand for all newspapers to appoint an ombudsman to inquire into complaints against them.

But, fundamentally, we would like to see the media go back to its non-partisan role of being the watchdog of democracy. It should not compromise its independent position for the sake of commercial interests. When people are losing faith in the democratic institutions of the country the media should not accelerate the degeneration. It is expected to play a role in restoring people’s confidence in democracy.

- This is a statement produced by some citizens after reviewing the Press Council of India's Guidelines for election reporting (1996), BBC guidelines for election reporting, the Press Act of India, and other such documents, and newspaper coverage during 15th Lok Sabha elections in India.

[To sign the petition, click here]

Role of media in elections

Role of media in elections
[To read this statement in Hindi language, click here]

[To sign the petition, click here]

We, the citizens, are deeply concerned about the blatant misuse of print and electronic media by parties and candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections in 2009 and about the media allowing itself to be abused. This constitutes a gross breach of trust with the reader/viewer who expects unbiased and fair news coverage during elections. Moreover, the media, blatantly violating the Press Council of India’s Guidelines of Election Reporting -1996, stands discredited so far as its role as fourth pillar of the democracy is concerned.

The distinction between news, views and political campaigning (read advertising) is no longer clear. The use of 'advt' or 'marketing media initiative' tag in small font-size printed is not sufficient to inform the reader whether the content is news, views or paid advertising by an election candidate. Some newspapers don’t even care to put this small print.

Broadly speaking, the influence of marketing heads is growing over the influence of editors within media houses in decision-making related to the content. The person who collects advertisements for media and acts as a correspondent, is often the same in smaller districts and sub-district places. These people enjoy due media accreditation and often promote those who issue advertisements (and block those who don't).

The amount which is spent on paid advertising, advertorials and other manners like 'marketing media initiative' and likes, to solicit earned and paid media coverage of a candidate during elections, often crosses the spending cap of Rs 25 lakhs. Hence, media is colluding with parties and candidates in violating the model code of conduct during elections. Moreover, the transactions for advertisements in the garb of news items are not even shown in the records. Newspapers are not required to file financial statements to their regulatory authorities as a result of which it is difficult to know their exact incomes or the sources on this account. They should be required to do so partywise & candidatewise so that the figures given by the candidates may be cross-checked.

There is a need to enact a law to regulate political parties. The ceiling should be all inclusive covering expenditure by friends & relatives also which is not included at present and is used to flout the ceiling. Also the penalty on violating the spending cap in elections should be more severe and applicable on the current election cycle as well. Presently the action taken on violating the spending cap is applicable to next election cycle only, which is clearly not a deterrent.

The electronic media must also have an equivalent of a Press Council to govern their conduct.

We also support the growing demand for all newspapers to appoint an ombudsman to inquire into complaints against them.

But, fundamentally, we would like to see the media go back to its non-partisan role of being the watchdog of democracy. It should not compromise its independent position for the sake of commercial interests. When people are losing faith in the democratic institutions of the country the media should not accelerate the degeneration. It is expected to play a role in restoring people’s confidence in democracy.

- This is a statement produced by some citizens after reviewing the Press Council of India's Guidelines for election reporting (1996), BBC guidelines for election reporting, the Press Act of India, and other such documents, and newspaper coverage during 15th Lok Sabha elections in India.

[To sign the petition, click here]

What’s The Good Word?

What’s The Good Word?

Alas! Most of us do not remember a single one. In fact we prefer to throw shoes at each other (as was done recently by a scribe in India) rather than use words to debate an issue. Our politicians can only think of out doing each other by using choicest abuses and/or openly declaring to kill their opponents by unimaginably cruel methods. Their recent mutterings have thankfully pressed the Election Commission of India to take some suitable action against them. But, when this is the state of our elders and guardians, then what to talk about our youngsters.

A newspaper recently reported about a British school teacher being aghast at the slang vocabulary of her ten year old students. Things were no better in even elite Mumbai schools, where children (coming from supposedly good homes) use crude Hindi slang and swear words, dumbfounding everyone. Some blame it on parents, others on friends, or on video games and television shows which blur the line between what is acceptable and what is not.

These days, use of foul and violent language seems to be the ‘in thing’ amongst girls and boys alike. ‘Shit and ‘Bastard’ are the most commonly and frequently used words by students of even the so called prestigious schools. ‘Fuck you’ is another favourite, which has other worse equivalents in Hindi. In a milder tone, violence in the form of harsh words is being practiced too often. Stupid, fool, jerk, ass, are some of the hurtful and demeaning words which are used daily by most of us.

The finesse of language and the grace of good manners are gone. Lucknow , the city where I live, was once famous world wide for its polite manners and refined language (tehzeeb), even amongst the poor and illiterate. Alas! No more. Now we don’t care. It has become fashionable to be brash, loud and ill mannered. Words like ‘Please, Sorry, Thank you, Forgive me, Bless you for helping me’, are fast becoming obsolete. With the SMS language being accepted as the modern mode of communication, the last nail in the coffin of polite language has been hammered. More slang words, in cell phone language parlance, are being coined everyday.

We have become insensitive and that is what our kids are learning from us. Parents no longer seem to care about the four letter words being used by their wards in front of them. As income levels are rising, rude behaviour / foul language is becoming synonymous with power and might. We do not care to switch off our mobile phone conversations in theatres and cinema halls, despite repeated requests from artists and fellow spectators alike. We love to carry on loud, late night conversations in trains, totally oblivious of other passengers trying to catch a wink of sleep.

No wonder it all reflects upon the way we are bringing up our children. If we use foul language and arrogant manners at home and outside, children will be quick to pick it up, only if it is for the sake of imitating their elders. In many families, I have seen doting elders teach the 2- 3 years old to use swear words, just for the fun of it. Later on, it becomes a habit with no holds barred.

We are also becoming crude in our behaviour. Etiquette is passe. To some extent, this is connected to the weaning away of fine arts from our lives. Subjects of the Humanities group are becoming outmoded, making us less humane. Most parents (even the educated ones) feel that it is a waste of time if their child paints, draws, reads story books, recites/writes poetry. They think that any activity which does not fetch higher marks for their child is useless. I remember the father (an IIT professor) of a very bright student of mine, reprimanding her on winning a prize in an essay competition. He thought that she should have devoted that time more fruitfully in doing math rather than waste it in inane pursuits. A lack of appreciation for the finer points of life is affecting many facets of our personality. It is making us rude, selfish, and uncouth.

These days, nobody wants to study history, geography, sociology, English etc. If you are a good student, you are expected to study pure sciences, or at the worst, commerce, at the plus two level. In fact many schools pride themselves in not offering the ‘humanities stream’ at the class XII level. This trend needs to be reversed, though it may already be too late. Let us make not only good engineers and management professionals, but good human beings too.

We can at least teach our children to mind their language (which will be an asset to them in later life); to appreciate the beauties of nature and to feel the ecstasy of music and fine arts. Let us try to save our society from degenerating by mending our own ways. We can do this in our homes, in our schools and in our workplaces. Let our children learn to speak and act politely from the heart. Only then will they blossom creatively and grow up with the knowledge and appreciation of beauty and grace. Only then, perhaps, will they learn to respect and value life, stop desecrating monuments/buildings, stop molesting women and stop hating each other in the name of caste, social status and religion.

We can at least teach our children to mind their language (which will be an asset to them in later life); to appreciate the beauties of nature and to feel the ecstasy of music and fine arts. Let us try to save our society from degenerating by mending our own ways. We can do this in our homes, in our schools and in our workplaces. Let our children learn to speak and act politely from the heart. Only then will they blossom creatively and grow up with the knowledge and appreciation of beauty and grace. Only then, perhaps, will they learn to respect and value life, stop desecrating monuments/buildings, stop molesting women and stop hating each other in the name of caste, social status and religion.

Shobha Shukla

The author writes extensively in English and Hindi media. She serves as Editor of Citizen News Service (CNS).

What’s The Good Word?

What’s The Good Word?

Alas! Most of us do not remember a single one. In fact we prefer to throw shoes at each other (as was done recently by a scribe in India) rather than use words to debate an issue. Our politicians can only think of out doing each other by using choicest abuses and/or openly declaring to kill their opponents by unimaginably cruel methods. Their recent mutterings have thankfully pressed the Election Commission of India to take some suitable action against them. But, when this is the state of our elders and guardians, then what to talk about our youngsters.

A newspaper recently reported about a British school teacher being aghast at the slang vocabulary of her ten year old students. Things were no better in even elite Mumbai schools, where children (coming from supposedly good homes) use crude Hindi slang and swear words, dumbfounding everyone. Some blame it on parents, others on friends, or on video games and television shows which blur the line between what is acceptable and what is not.

These days, use of foul and violent language seems to be the ‘in thing’ amongst girls and boys alike. ‘Shit and ‘Bastard’ are the most commonly and frequently used words by students of even the so called prestigious schools. ‘Fuck you’ is another favourite, which has other worse equivalents in Hindi. In a milder tone, violence in the form of harsh words is being practiced too often. Stupid, fool, jerk, ass, are some of the hurtful and demeaning words which are used daily by most of us.

The finesse of language and the grace of good manners are gone. Lucknow , the city where I live, was once famous world wide for its polite manners and refined language (tehzeeb), even amongst the poor and illiterate. Alas! No more. Now we don’t care. It has become fashionable to be brash, loud and ill mannered. Words like ‘Please, Sorry, Thank you, Forgive me, Bless you for helping me’, are fast becoming obsolete. With the SMS language being accepted as the modern mode of communication, the last nail in the coffin of polite language has been hammered. More slang words, in cell phone language parlance, are being coined everyday.

We have become insensitive and that is what our kids are learning from us. Parents no longer seem to care about the four letter words being used by their wards in front of them. As income levels are rising, rude behaviour / foul language is becoming synonymous with power and might. We do not care to switch off our mobile phone conversations in theatres and cinema halls, despite repeated requests from artists and fellow spectators alike. We love to carry on loud, late night conversations in trains, totally oblivious of other passengers trying to catch a wink of sleep.

No wonder it all reflects upon the way we are bringing up our children. If we use foul language and arrogant manners at home and outside, children will be quick to pick it up, only if it is for the sake of imitating their elders. In many families, I have seen doting elders teach the 2- 3 years old to use swear words, just for the fun of it. Later on, it becomes a habit with no holds barred.

We are also becoming crude in our behaviour. Etiquette is passe. To some extent, this is connected to the weaning away of fine arts from our lives. Subjects of the Humanities group are becoming outmoded, making us less humane. Most parents (even the educated ones) feel that it is a waste of time if their child paints, draws, reads story books, recites/writes poetry. They think that any activity which does not fetch higher marks for their child is useless. I remember the father (an IIT professor) of a very bright student of mine, reprimanding her on winning a prize in an essay competition. He thought that she should have devoted that time more fruitfully in doing math rather than waste it in inane pursuits. A lack of appreciation for the finer points of life is affecting many facets of our personality. It is making us rude, selfish, and uncouth.

These days, nobody wants to study history, geography, sociology, English etc. If you are a good student, you are expected to study pure sciences, or at the worst, commerce, at the plus two level. In fact many schools pride themselves in not offering the ‘humanities stream’ at the class XII level. This trend needs to be reversed, though it may already be too late. Let us make not only good engineers and management professionals, but good human beings too.

We can at least teach our children to mind their language (which will be an asset to them in later life); to appreciate the beauties of nature and to feel the ecstasy of music and fine arts. Let us try to save our society from degenerating by mending our own ways. We can do this in our homes, in our schools and in our workplaces. Let our children learn to speak and act politely from the heart. Only then will they blossom creatively and grow up with the knowledge and appreciation of beauty and grace. Only then, perhaps, will they learn to respect and value life, stop desecrating monuments/buildings, stop molesting women and stop hating each other in the name of caste, social status and religion.

We can at least teach our children to mind their language (which will be an asset to them in later life); to appreciate the beauties of nature and to feel the ecstasy of music and fine arts. Let us try to save our society from degenerating by mending our own ways. We can do this in our homes, in our schools and in our workplaces. Let our children learn to speak and act politely from the heart. Only then will they blossom creatively and grow up with the knowledge and appreciation of beauty and grace. Only then, perhaps, will they learn to respect and value life, stop desecrating monuments/buildings, stop molesting women and stop hating each other in the name of caste, social status and religion.

Shobha Shukla

The author writes extensively in English and Hindi media. She serves as Editor of Citizen News Service (CNS).

Bringing in winds of change through Radio Ga Ga

Bringing in winds of change through Radio Ga Ga
Anjali Singh

Lucknow: 32 years old Kanshiram undergoes a complete transformation as he goes behind the microphone talking to his listeners on the Community Radio (CR). Formerly a bus conductor who used to ferry passengers to and fro from the remote village of Lalitpur, today he works as a radio jockey (RJ) at the newly set up community radio station here. "I can't believe I am now a RJ broadcasting and anchoring radio programmes. It gives me an immense sense of satisfaction that I am doing something for the society. What makes it even more meaningful is the fact that I get to see the real issues through my work and and also provide solutions for it."

Sentiments that are also echoed by Sunita Chandel, a village housewife, she is now one of the twelve community reporters the radio station has, “It was unheard of until now that a daughter-in law of the village, would be actually recording programmes, editing, reporting and getting involved in solving women related issues. Initially there were lots of questions and refusals to grant permission at home but once my family and society realised how productive the work was they gave their permission."

Interestingly both Kanshiram and Sunita are part of a new era in communication, one that was much needed until now. But then the concept of community radios has long been the demand of rural India, so much so that today it is a reality. Predictably doubling up as a medium of entertainment and an effective mode of information and awareness, the first community radio station in Lalitpur, UP is all set to go on air soon.

An initiative of department of Planning, Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP), UNICEF office for Uttar Pradesh and Ideosync Media Combine, community radio is being geared up as an important means of community outreach. Not only in the state of UP but Uttarakhand too. Jharkhand, Gujrat and Bihar these conventional radio stations have been making waves ushering in a change no other form of communication could achieve so far.

But will it work as a powerful mode of information dissemination for the community by the community?

Mr Tapas Datta, Programme Manager, UNICEF elucidates,"The few examples we have seen so far on how community radio can be used as a powerful tool of information and awareness goes on to prove that it is now become an integral part of democratic process. It is like a double edged sword which focuses not only on the interactive roles of individual shaping lives of people but at the same time facilitating a more horizontal spread of information which is ushering in a remarkable change in behaviours and attitudes."

And with Lalit Lokvani, situated 22 km from Lalitpur in Alapur village of Birdha block, making a beginning with over a lakh eager listeners within its 15 km transmission range covering 60 villages, radio will never be the same again. While dry run has been initiated the actual transmission will start after getting the license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting soon, the station has been granted the frequency at 90.4 Megahertz.

And what programmes will the villagers get to hear?

Says Mridul Srivastava, station director of Lalit Lokvani, “Community radio is the real voice of the people, it is a communication service that caters to the interests and needs of a certain area, its culture, craft, cuisine and above all social and development issues. Most of our programmes will have participants from within the village community itself. In fact the narrow casting has been so successful that we are getting requests by the local candidates of various political parties to campaign for them through our community radio station.”

Adds Mazboot Singh, Community Reporter, Lalit Lokvani, Lalitpur, UP, recounting his experiences on how CR station in Lalitpur helped bringing about women empowerment "Lalit Lokvani proved to be a powerful motivator for the local women to come and participate in the radio programmes and also campaign for their rights and rights of the community as a whole. Though we are yet to start broadcasting the demand for our programmes are so high that we are narrow casting even now."

But what is extraordinary is that the community radio stations are doubling up as nerve centres in the villages of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand as well.

Citing examples of how their community radio station 'Mandakini Ki Awaaz' in Uttarakhand was raising relevant issues, Manvendra Negi, Station Manager of the community radio station elaborated, "Community radio can be used to solve many issues of social and cultural nature simply as it involves active participation of the community. As its a collaborative effort of SSGs, NGOs, gram panchayats and community reporters the impact it has is far more lasting than any other medium. Every social issue and government run programmes for the benefit of the community gets attention and information reaches those who need it most. What more can a communication media ask for?"

Darmyan Rana, Station Manager, 'Hevalvani' a community radio station also in Uttarakhand explains how their community radio station was also using the local cable network to disseminate information and programmes to the community.

"Using photographs as the background we run programmes with audio provided by our CRs and it has been very well received. The two pronged approach of CR thus makes it doubly meaningful for community outreach programmes as the imapct of visuals are always more."

But does CR have a impact to address social evils like corruption?

"Why not," says Suresh Kumar, Programme Coordinator, AID Jharkhand and Radio Vikalp, Garwha, a community radio initiative, "Take the example of programmes like Chala Ho Gaon Mein, which addresses topical issues of the village community. Here matters of violence, women rights and even corruption are addressed regularly specuially now with the elections around the corner. I feel the community radio is not only a cheap and best option for rural outreach programmes but is also pro poor as it helps fight for solidarity justice and good governance. Through the folk songs and dramas that we produce we have managed to do away with social evils and superstitions, raise child labour issues, highlight corruption and campaign against illetracy etc. Awareness and information about AIDS, Polio, Malaria and TB have also been addressed through our CR programmes."

Making a mention of the utility the community radio can have for disseminating information of govt policies and schemes, Kumar further says,"CRs can support the govt efforts to spared awareness about their schemes and policies and at the same time also help educate the community about the how they can benefit from these policies. As far as we have seen the impact of the policies through listenership of CR is higher than publicity material the government has printed so far."

Now that's what we call making waves and literally!

Anjali Singh - Citizen News Service (CNS)

(The author is a senior journalist and Director of Saaksham Foundation. Email: saakshamforchildrights@gmail.com)

[Photo credit: Anjali Singh]

Photo captions:
Top photograph: Reporters and RJs planning a programme meeting.
Middle photograph: The team of reporters and producers at the Community Radio Station at Lalitpur, all members were picked up from the adjoining villages.
Bottom photograph: A community Radio Jockey presenting a programme for villagers in UP

Published in
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Broadcast India
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Op-Ed News (OEN), USA
Thai Indian news, Bangkok, Thailand
Bangladesh News service, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Web News Wire
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Kisaso
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Two Circles

Bringing in winds of change through Radio Ga Ga

Bringing in winds of change through Radio Ga Ga
Anjali Singh

Lucknow: 32 years old Kanshiram undergoes a complete transformation as he goes behind the microphone talking to his listeners on the Community Radio (CR). Formerly a bus conductor who used to ferry passengers to and fro from the remote village of Lalitpur, today he works as a radio jockey (RJ) at the newly set up community radio station here. "I can't believe I am now a RJ broadcasting and anchoring radio programmes. It gives me an immense sense of satisfaction that I am doing something for the society. What makes it even more meaningful is the fact that I get to see the real issues through my work and and also provide solutions for it."

Sentiments that are also echoed by Sunita Chandel, a village housewife, she is now one of the twelve community reporters the radio station has, “It was unheard of until now that a daughter-in law of the village, would be actually recording programmes, editing, reporting and getting involved in solving women related issues. Initially there were lots of questions and refusals to grant permission at home but once my family and society realised how productive the work was they gave their permission."

Interestingly both Kanshiram and Sunita are part of a new era in communication, one that was much needed until now. But then the concept of community radios has long been the demand of rural India, so much so that today it is a reality. Predictably doubling up as a medium of entertainment and an effective mode of information and awareness, the first community radio station in Lalitpur, UP is all set to go on air soon.

An initiative of department of Planning, Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP), UNICEF office for Uttar Pradesh and Ideosync Media Combine, community radio is being geared up as an important means of community outreach. Not only in the state of UP but Uttarakhand too. Jharkhand, Gujrat and Bihar these conventional radio stations have been making waves ushering in a change no other form of communication could achieve so far.

But will it work as a powerful mode of information dissemination for the community by the community?

Mr Tapas Datta, Programme Manager, UNICEF elucidates,"The few examples we have seen so far on how community radio can be used as a powerful tool of information and awareness goes on to prove that it is now become an integral part of democratic process. It is like a double edged sword which focuses not only on the interactive roles of individual shaping lives of people but at the same time facilitating a more horizontal spread of information which is ushering in a remarkable change in behaviours and attitudes."

And with Lalit Lokvani, situated 22 km from Lalitpur in Alapur village of Birdha block, making a beginning with over a lakh eager listeners within its 15 km transmission range covering 60 villages, radio will never be the same again. While dry run has been initiated the actual transmission will start after getting the license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting soon, the station has been granted the frequency at 90.4 Megahertz.

And what programmes will the villagers get to hear?

Says Mridul Srivastava, station director of Lalit Lokvani, “Community radio is the real voice of the people, it is a communication service that caters to the interests and needs of a certain area, its culture, craft, cuisine and above all social and development issues. Most of our programmes will have participants from within the village community itself. In fact the narrow casting has been so successful that we are getting requests by the local candidates of various political parties to campaign for them through our community radio station.”

Adds Mazboot Singh, Community Reporter, Lalit Lokvani, Lalitpur, UP, recounting his experiences on how CR station in Lalitpur helped bringing about women empowerment "Lalit Lokvani proved to be a powerful motivator for the local women to come and participate in the radio programmes and also campaign for their rights and rights of the community as a whole. Though we are yet to start broadcasting the demand for our programmes are so high that we are narrow casting even now."

But what is extraordinary is that the community radio stations are doubling up as nerve centres in the villages of Uttarakhand and Jharkhand as well.

Citing examples of how their community radio station 'Mandakini Ki Awaaz' in Uttarakhand was raising relevant issues, Manvendra Negi, Station Manager of the community radio station elaborated, "Community radio can be used to solve many issues of social and cultural nature simply as it involves active participation of the community. As its a collaborative effort of SSGs, NGOs, gram panchayats and community reporters the impact it has is far more lasting than any other medium. Every social issue and government run programmes for the benefit of the community gets attention and information reaches those who need it most. What more can a communication media ask for?"

Darmyan Rana, Station Manager, 'Hevalvani' a community radio station also in Uttarakhand explains how their community radio station was also using the local cable network to disseminate information and programmes to the community.

"Using photographs as the background we run programmes with audio provided by our CRs and it has been very well received. The two pronged approach of CR thus makes it doubly meaningful for community outreach programmes as the imapct of visuals are always more."

But does CR have a impact to address social evils like corruption?

"Why not," says Suresh Kumar, Programme Coordinator, AID Jharkhand and Radio Vikalp, Garwha, a community radio initiative, "Take the example of programmes like Chala Ho Gaon Mein, which addresses topical issues of the village community. Here matters of violence, women rights and even corruption are addressed regularly specuially now with the elections around the corner. I feel the community radio is not only a cheap and best option for rural outreach programmes but is also pro poor as it helps fight for solidarity justice and good governance. Through the folk songs and dramas that we produce we have managed to do away with social evils and superstitions, raise child labour issues, highlight corruption and campaign against illetracy etc. Awareness and information about AIDS, Polio, Malaria and TB have also been addressed through our CR programmes."

Making a mention of the utility the community radio can have for disseminating information of govt policies and schemes, Kumar further says,"CRs can support the govt efforts to spared awareness about their schemes and policies and at the same time also help educate the community about the how they can benefit from these policies. As far as we have seen the impact of the policies through listenership of CR is higher than publicity material the government has printed so far."

Now that's what we call making waves and literally!

Anjali Singh - Citizen News Service (CNS)

(The author is a senior journalist and Director of Saaksham Foundation. Email: saakshamforchildrights@gmail.com)

[Photo credit: Anjali Singh]

Photo captions:
Top photograph: Reporters and RJs planning a programme meeting.
Middle photograph: The team of reporters and producers at the Community Radio Station at Lalitpur, all members were picked up from the adjoining villages.
Bottom photograph: A community Radio Jockey presenting a programme for villagers in UP

Published in
The Colombo Times, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Broadcast India
Digg.com
Op-Ed News (OEN), USA
Thai Indian news, Bangkok, Thailand
Bangladesh News service, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Web News Wire
Asia Top News
In.com news
Kisaso
News Track India, Delhi
Jaiman's Indiablog
Fresh News
Bihar and Jharkhand News Service (BJNS)
Reddit.com
Now India news
Sights
Niara.com
Orissa News, Bhubhneshwar, Orissa
News Trust, USA
Dishnet India
Radio Activity
Media for Freedom, Kathmandu, Nepal
USA Today - Unicef news aggregator
Silobreaker news aggregator
Two Circles

BSP's Abdul Mannan urged not to shield those who beat dalit workers

BSP's Abdul Mannan urged not to shield those who beat dalit workers



A Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) office-bearer Ghanshyam rained baton rods on dalit workers on 14 January 2009. Ghanshaym is the husband of Urmila Devi, who is the Gram Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Aira Kake Mau, Block Bharawan, District Hardoi, UP. Ghanshyam is also the BSP Treasurer from the Vidhan Sabha constituency of Minister for Science and Technology in UP Government, Abdul Mannan.



The main grievances of these dalit workers was that they had been paid less than what was due to them under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and their Job Cards were either not given to them or contained arbitrary entries. The dalit workers had come to inspect the NREGS documents in accordance with the right of social audit given under the NREG Act, when they were beaten mercilessly by BSP office-bearer Ghanshyam.



The BSP cabinet minister Abdul Mannan is scheduled to visit the same Gram Panchayat of Aira Kake Mau in Bharawan block (Hardoi district, UP) on Saturday, 31 January 2009. "If a senior BSP cabinet minister Abdul Mannan will support a person like Ghanshyam who has mercilessly beaten up the dalit workers, then activists will believe that BSP is supporting and protecting the human rights abusers of dalit workers" said Neelkamal, who is the people's nominee for the 2009 elections from this region.



The people of this region have strongly condemned the increasing criminalization and corruption in politics. Hundreds of them descended in the state capital of Lucknow to stage a massive demonstration to press their demand that Abdul Mannan should not shield those who beat dalit people.



Ironically BSP has been claiming to be championing the cause of dalits. This is a blatant example where a BSP office bearer had been exploiting dalit workers, denying them their due and manhandling them in broad daylight as well. Instead of supporting the cause of dalit welfare and advocating for strict action against Ghanshyam, BSP’s cabinet minister Abdul Mannan is likely to support Ghanshyam by going to the same gram panchayat and participating in his programmes. "Is this the manner in which BSP is going to protect dalit people?" asks Neelkamal.



The activists of National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) and Asha Parivar are resolute to challenge this rampant corruption and criminalization of politics from now on.



"In her past stints as Chief Minister, Mayawati has given little attention to the well being of dalits. Dalits found it as tough to get cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as ever and state SC/ST Commission provided no relief either. Matters related to violence against women also suffered a casualty in her regime. Neither did the situation of landless dalits, hoping to take possession of their legitimate pieces of land allotted to them by the panchayats, improved. All the other benefits through the panchayats continued to be siphoned-off by the unscrupulous elements. There was no clamp on corruption in the various schemes which could have possibly resulted in more benefits flowing to the dalits. With the possible exception of Ambedkar villages there was no overall improvement in delivery efficiency of the administrative system or justice to the poor" had said Dr Sandeep Pandey, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee (2002) in an article published years ago. The situation hasn't changed much since then, as BSP Supremo Mayawati's regime continues.



[Photo caption: top - the dalit workers from Hardoi village who were beaten by BSP office bearer Ghyanshyam are staging a dharna opposite Vidhan Sabha in state capital of Lucknow; middle - senior Narmada Bachao Andolan social activist and Advisor to Supreme Court Commissioner on Right to Food Arundhati Dhuru; bottom - Neelkamal - the native of Bharawan block in Hardoi who is a nominated candidate for Member of Parliament elections 2009 from the same constituency this year]



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