Fact Checking Policy

Growing India is committed to publishing accurate, verified, and reliable news.
Our editorial team follows strict fact-checking processes to ensure credibility and trust in every story we publish.

1. Commitment to Accuracy

• We verify facts through trusted sources, official documents, government records, and direct reporting.
• No story is published without editorial approval.
• We prioritize accuracy over speed, especially during breaking news.

2. Source Verification

We confirm facts from at least one of the following reliable sources:

a) Primary Sources

• Government documents
• Court orders
• Official statements
• On-ground reporting
• Visual evidence (photos/videos verified for authenticity)

b) Secondary Sources

• Established and credible news agencies
• Subject experts
• Academic institutions
• Verified reports and published data

We do not rely on anonymous or unverified social media posts unless corroborated.

3. Use of Multiple Sources

• For sensitive or controversial stories, we cross-check with two or more independent sources.
• Conflicting claims are treated cautiously and reported with clear attribution.

Example:
“According to police…” / “Eyewitnesses claim…”

4. Treatment of Anonymous Sources

Anonymous sources are used only when:

• There is a credible public-interest reason, and
• Identity protection is necessary for safety

Editors verify the identity of such sources privately before publishing.

5. Verification of Images, Videos & User-Generated Content

• All user-submitted media (via WhatsApp, email, or website) is checked for authenticity.
• We use editorial tools to verify:
  • Metadata
  • Location
  • Tampering
  • Originality

We do not publish:

• Morphed images
• Misleading visuals
• Deepfakes

Unless clearly labeled for awareness.

6. No Sensationalism

Growing India avoids:

• Exaggeration
• Misrepresentation
• Clickbait headlines that distort facts

Headlines must reflect the true content of the article.

7. Corrections and Updates

If any factual error is identified:

• It is corrected promptly
• A correction note is added with date/time
• Major updates are marked clearly

Our Correction Policy applies.

8. Handling Misinformation

We actively avoid the spread of misinformation, especially regarding:

• Health
• Elections
• Public safety
• Communal or sensitive issues

If misinformation is detected, we publish updates with clarification.

9. Balanced Reporting

• Conflicting viewpoints are presented fairly.
• All parties involved in a story are given an opportunity to respond.
• We avoid one-sided reporting, especially in political, legal, and crime-related matters.

10. Editorial Review System

Every story undergoes:

1. Fact Gathering
2. Verification & Cross-checking
3. Drafting by Reporter
4. Editorial Review
5. Final Approval by Editor-in-Chief

No article bypasses this workflow.

11. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• AI tools may aid in grammar, formatting, or research assistance.
• Editorial judgment and verification are always done by human editors.
• AI-generated content is never published as verified fact without human validation.

12. Reader Participation

Readers can report errors or send evidence for fact-checking.

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +91-7733000123

All valid submissions are reviewed within 24–48 hours.

13. Ethical Standards

Our fact-checking process follows:

• DNPA Code of Ethics
• Press Council of India guidelines
• IT Rules, 2021
• Standard international journalism practices

14. Transparency

Wherever possible, we:

• Provide source links
• Mention data origin
• Acknowledge uncertainties
• Attribute quotes and claims clearly