Concept:
Development Communication (DevCom) is the systematic use of communication principles, strategies, and media to facilitate positive social, economic, and behavioural transformation within communities.
It acts as a catalyst for social change by informing, motivating, and mobilizing people.
Step 1: Essential Characteristics of Development Communication:
Development communication is goal-oriented, purposeful, and directed toward human and community development.
It informs and educates communities regarding crucial topics like public health, nutrition, literacy, agriculture, and sanitation.
It strategically blends mass media (such as community radio, television, and street theatre) with interpersonal communication channels to maximize outreach, feedback, and grassroots impact.
It is audience-centred, meaning messages are tailored to the cultural context, language, education, and ecological environment of the target community.
Step 2: Analyzing the Socio-economic Dimension:
The fundamental objective of development communication is to uplift marginalized populations and accelerate equitable socio-economic development.
Claiming that development communication is “not oriented to socio-economic development” completely contradicts its foundational philosophy.
Step 3: Evaluating the Options:
Statements (A), (B), and (C) correctly describe key pillars of development communication.
Statement (D) incorrectly asserts that it is not oriented toward socio-economic progress, making it the non-essential or false feature.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is (D) It is not oriented to socio-economic development of the people.