CM for enhancing Information Deptt’s efficiency, outreach

Jammu, Dec 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday called for expediting the recruitment process for vacant posts in the Information Department.

Chairing a review meeting of the Information Department at the civil secretariat here that assessed the department’s performance and deliberated on matters requiring improvement to enhance the department's efficiency and outreach, the CM highlighted the pressing issue of staff shortage and urged the department to expedite the recruitment process for vacant positions.

He stressed that adequate manpower was crucial for the department’s efficiency.

Holding a detailed discussion on the advertisement policy for newspapers and media houses, CM Omar directed the department to ensure fairness and transparency in issuing advertisements based on circulation.

He urged the department to avoid any impression of bias and to study the Bureau of Outreach, Government of India (DAVP) criteria of advertisement rates and assessing newspaper circulation to evolve a robust mechanism.

Reviewing the accreditation process for journalists, the CM directed the department to revisit rejected applications.

He instructed the concerned officials to communicate discrepancies to applicants, enabling them to rectify errors and secure accreditation.

CM Omar emphasised the need to streamline and expedite the process, ensuring that filmmakers receive approvals without unnecessary delays.

Stressing the importance of social media, he called for enhanced visibility of the J&K government on digital platforms through targeted advertisements and campaigns.

The CM impressed upon the need to procure the latest equipment and gadgets to improve coverage of official functions and events.

He emphasised the department’s crucial role in shaping public perception and ensuring effective communication of government initiatives.

CM Omar urged the officials to address challenges with urgency and commitment.

He also inquired about the functioning of the single-window portal for granting film shooting permissions.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Information Rehana Batul, Director Information Jatin Kishore, senior officers from the Administrative Department, all Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, and other concerned officials.

Earlier, Secretary Information Rehana Batul gave a detailed presentation on the department’s overview and functioning.

The presentation covered aspects like human resource management, roles and responsibilities of staff, advertisement expenditure, empanelled newspapers, and the accreditation process for journalists.

The meeting was informed about several initiatives undertaken by the department, including ‘Beats of J&K’, ‘Inspire Gen-Z’, ‘Youth Conclave’, the successful hosting of J&K Film Conclave, 2024, and the implementation of J&K Film Policy, 2024.

The department’s media campaign for coverage of the G-20 Summit in Kashmir was also highlighted.

Discussions were held on the department’s budget and expenditure under REVEX and CAPEX heads, along with the proposed CAPEX for the financial year 2024-25.