TOI launches Citizen Reporter, will foster participatory democracy: CM | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Describing the launch of The Times of India‘s Citizen Reporter platform in Bhubaneswar on Saturday as a “groundbreaking initiative”, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi said it will empower citizens across the state.
Speaking about the initiative, the CM, in a message, emphasised how the platform aligns with the digital age, where smartphone-equipped citizens can now become storytellers for their communities. “Whether it’s sharing local success stories, highlighting social issues, or documenting our rich cultural heritage, our people can now do it all through text, photos and videos,” he said.
The platform combines public participation with professional oversight, as TOI’s experienced editors will ensure the maintenance of journalistic standards and credibility. This approach, according to Majhi, creates “a perfect blend of public participation and professional oversight”.
Highlighting his govt’s commitment to participatory democracy, he said that the initiative resonates with his vision of transparent governance. “As the chief minister, I always believed in the power of people’s participation. Our govt stands on the foundation of being a people’s govt, and I take pride in being a people’s chief minister. This initiative perfectly aligns with our vision of participatory democracy and transparent governance,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the platform would help bridge the gap between governance and public perception while bringing unheard voices from remote areas to the forefront. Majhi urged all citizens of Odisha to actively participate in the new initiative, emphasising its potential to create a more inclusive and participatory media landscape. The CM concluded his message with a call for collective effort in utilising the platform for the state’s benefit.
During a meeting with senior TOI journalists, the CM said that any initiative that keeps people at the forefront remains close to his heart. Majhi said Odia Asmita and people’s welfare form the core of his governance. He said the plan to develop some pre-Independence-era schools as ‘Aitiya Vidyalayas’ (heritage schools), where heroes of Odisha studied or taught, is being implemented in a grand way, which will promote Odia pride.
Attending as chief guest at the TOI Citizen Reporter launch event, revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said the involvement of citizens in the news-gathering process will foster a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement. “This platform will encourage citizens to become more observant, more involved, and more responsible members of society,” he said.
Pujari said the initiative will promote more professionalism in journalism and contribute to its evolution into a new era. Bhubaneswar mayor Sulochana Das, a former journalist herself, spoke about the changing faces of journalism and technology playing an enabling role.
Commissioner of police S Dev Datta Singh highlighted how a participatory approach such as citizen journalism will make democracy and society more vibrant. Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur emphasised the role of technology in democratising journalism. “Technology has opened new avenues for citizen journalism, which ultimately strengthens our democratic framework,” Thakur told the gathering.
The interactive session saw active participation from various civil society members, resident welfare associations, and prominent citizens. Attendees raised concerns about pressing civic, health and traffic-related issues during the question-and-answer segment. The event, which aimed to bridge the gap between citizens and administration, provided a platform for direct dialogue with senior officials.
Speaking about the initiative, the CM, in a message, emphasised how the platform aligns with the digital age, where smartphone-equipped citizens can now become storytellers for their communities. “Whether it’s sharing local success stories, highlighting social issues, or documenting our rich cultural heritage, our people can now do it all through text, photos and videos,” he said.
The platform combines public participation with professional oversight, as TOI’s experienced editors will ensure the maintenance of journalistic standards and credibility. This approach, according to Majhi, creates “a perfect blend of public participation and professional oversight”.
Highlighting his govt’s commitment to participatory democracy, he said that the initiative resonates with his vision of transparent governance. “As the chief minister, I always believed in the power of people’s participation. Our govt stands on the foundation of being a people’s govt, and I take pride in being a people’s chief minister. This initiative perfectly aligns with our vision of participatory democracy and transparent governance,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the platform would help bridge the gap between governance and public perception while bringing unheard voices from remote areas to the forefront. Majhi urged all citizens of Odisha to actively participate in the new initiative, emphasising its potential to create a more inclusive and participatory media landscape. The CM concluded his message with a call for collective effort in utilising the platform for the state’s benefit.
During a meeting with senior TOI journalists, the CM said that any initiative that keeps people at the forefront remains close to his heart. Majhi said Odia Asmita and people’s welfare form the core of his governance. He said the plan to develop some pre-Independence-era schools as ‘Aitiya Vidyalayas’ (heritage schools), where heroes of Odisha studied or taught, is being implemented in a grand way, which will promote Odia pride.
Attending as chief guest at the TOI Citizen Reporter launch event, revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said the involvement of citizens in the news-gathering process will foster a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement. “This platform will encourage citizens to become more observant, more involved, and more responsible members of society,” he said.
Pujari said the initiative will promote more professionalism in journalism and contribute to its evolution into a new era. Bhubaneswar mayor Sulochana Das, a former journalist herself, spoke about the changing faces of journalism and technology playing an enabling role.
Commissioner of police S Dev Datta Singh highlighted how a participatory approach such as citizen journalism will make democracy and society more vibrant. Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur emphasised the role of technology in democratising journalism. “Technology has opened new avenues for citizen journalism, which ultimately strengthens our democratic framework,” Thakur told the gathering.
The interactive session saw active participation from various civil society members, resident welfare associations, and prominent citizens. Attendees raised concerns about pressing civic, health and traffic-related issues during the question-and-answer segment. The event, which aimed to bridge the gap between citizens and administration, provided a platform for direct dialogue with senior officials.
