I&B ministry to hold media 'pathshala' for babus to bridge information gap between media & government

NEW DELHI: Come Monday, over 100 babus will be part of the 'media pathshala' spearheaded by the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry to bridge the information gap between the government and the media. The daylong workshop will seek to address the need for constant flow of authentic information with I&B minister Arun Jaitley and cabinet secretary Ajit Seth set to address the audience.

The government has for some time now been under criticism for the perception that it was wary of the media and there was reluctance in sharing information on its schemes and projects. It was also felt that there was not enough synergy between ministry officials and officials of the Press Information Bureau leading to misinformed coverage or a vacuum.

"The workshop is meant to ensure better harmony within the government departments," I&B secretary Bimal Julka said.The ministry has also called in experts from the print and social media to speak to the officials. Four secretaries from sectors of infrastructure, social and economic sectors will be asked to give presentations to elaborate on how they worked on flagship schemes and their successes or lacunae. These include DIPP secretary Amitabh Kant, coal secretary Anil Swaroop, financial services secretary Hasmukh Adhia and WCD secretary V S Oberoi.

With PM Narendra Modi being an avid social media user, the workshop is also likely to dwell on its use to communicate directly with the public.

I&B minister Arun Jaitley will speak to officials while cabinet secretary is expected to give the valedictory address.Ministries and departments have been asked to appoint nodal persons who would act as spokespersons and ensure that accurate information is given in the shortest possible time.