Need for Creating Trained Professionals for Development Communication - A Case Study of an ODL based Programme

Abstract

Purpose: Nobel Prize-winner Amartya Sen and Jean Drèze in their book called An Uncertain Glory have made a valid argument for the need of greater understanding of social inequalities in India. Despite economic development. Despite being the second fastest growing economy of the world, it is no less a worry that India stands at 131st position in the Human Development Index of 2020. Every stakeholder is expected to contribute to the national development to improve the quality of living standards. In the multinational agencies’ global efforts to improve the human living conditions, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are agreed upon by the United Nations’ member countries, including India, which aims to achieve 17 SDG goals and 169 targets by 2030. Within this context, IGNOU’s efforts are manifold, and from the media and communication discipline, it explored the need to provide educational interventions to train the professionals for the development sectors. Accordingly, a needs assessment study was carried out to gauge the felt demand and explored the academic frameworks for a Diploma programme in Development Communication. The present study is based on this research exercise to underline the role of academia in bridging the conspicuous gap between the policy making process and citizens at the grassroot.

Research Design/Methodology: The researchers developed two sets of data collection methods to measure the actual need for an academic programme on Development Communication, offered through Open and Distance Learning mode with the relevant inputs from the literature review. One method was to collect data through a questionnaire and secondly, through Focus Group Discussion.

Findings: The main findings of this study established the need for an academic programme in Development Communication. The Focus Group Discussion gave a framework for the proposed programme that centers around the basic concepts on developments, understanding necessary media skills and orientation on evaluation and monitoring through a scientific research approach.

Originality/Value: The entire research efforts have reinforced the established trends in the field of Development Communication education. The survey results gave empirical evidence for the need for this programme. The Focus Group Discussions provided a framework for the proposed Diploma programme, which reinforced the established norms such as pro-access, pro-participation and pro-government structure.

Paper Type: Case Based Study