In Kerala, the Department of Information and Public Relations is the nodal agency of the Government to disseminate information to the public through various media on government policies, programs, schemes, initiatives and achievements. The department facilitates feedback from the public and thereby maintains a communication flow between the government and its public.
The department undertakes the administrative, technical and promotional affairs of the public and private sector with the help of advanced technologies in the field of visual communication, journalism, etc. The department desires to initiate new strategies for popularising government policies and activities with the support of latest media and public relation technologies, launching government-media tie-ups, enhancing public relation personnel efficiency and providing better working environment. The details of the activities and programmes undertaken by the department in 2016-17 are summarised in Box 5.19.
Electronic Media Division
Electronic Media Division was formed in October 2008 with four wings viz, news distribution, audio-video documentation, electronic media advertisements and marketing and web and new media. The major activities include release of video news clips to media channels and streamlining the production and management of advertisements, documentaries, Chief Minister’s Naam Munnottu programme, maintenance and upkeep of video archives. The Audio Video Communtication Wing in the Electronic Media Division produces and broadcast various video magazine programmes.
Nam Munnottu
Nam Munnottu (New version of Sutharyakeralam) is a complaint redressal cum discussion programme by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and it is initiated by the department. The programme is telecast by Doordarshan and its audio version is broadcasted over all stations of All India Radio. The department plans to telecast the programme through major malayalam news channels also.
Media Relations – Press Release and Photo Publicity
Press release section of the department issues news reports of government functions and other official notifications regularly. This section works 12 hours a day including holidays. Convening press meets, providing better facilities to media reporters for easy reporting etc are the major activities coming under media relations wing. This wing issues press releases every month. Every District Information offices also issues press releases regularly. These releases are e-mailed to the media and the same is published in the department website also.
Government Web Portal and Maintenance of Mail Server
The Web and New Media division undertakes the content management of government web portal (www.kerala.gov.in), which is a repository of details on various government departments, their functions and it provides information on the socio-economic, cultural and political history of the State. This portal, also gives access to government orders/circulars and to orders issued following Cabinet decisions.
Field Publicity, Exhibitions, Special Public Relations, Culture
The field publicity wing organises various awareness programmes and campaigns at State and District levels for giving adequate publicity to Government policies and initiatives. Exhibitions, seminars, workshops, social media and multimedia campaigns, art and cultural forms are used for these purposes.
Modernisation of Tagore Theatre
The modernisation of Tagore Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram was completed. The theatre has become one of the sought after culture centre in the State, particularly in the capital city.