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18 February, 2009

A Citizen Journalism platform in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh often makes headlines with unpalatable news, like the arrest and trial of Dr. Binayak Sen, medical practitioner and human rights defender.

Good things are also happening in Chhattisgarh. An example is CGnet, which has been operating for five years now.

CGnet is a Citizen Journalism platform where the subject is the development of Chhattisgarh, and the people discuss and act.

The belief is that everyone is a journalist and Information and Communication Technology can help leapfrog across many hurdles in the way. It is an effort to start a dialogue between tribal and others with the help of ICT.

CGNet is also making all efforts for the communities to have their own Community Radio.

CGNet serves as an ''E Gram Panchayat of the people of Chhattisgarh''. It is also a library and reference point. Here people can raise their issues with the help of ICT and discuss, debate and take action on them. Some literate tribals have been trained on the use of computers, in Hindi, which can be used for writing in the local languages.

Last year CGnet received the Manthan award under the e-news category. It was chosen for the award from among 14 entries from India, Sri Lanka , Bangladesh and other South Asian nations.

CGnet can be accessed here.

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