As per Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Office Order No. HH-18/2/2025-Personnel, dated 17.12.2025, Shri Manish Shiva Zole, Deputy Director (PIB), has been appointed as Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) for the Ministry. This appointment is in accordance with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting D.O. No. M-20011/10/2025- Press dated 12.11.2025.
The CMC will be the Single Point of Contact for media engagements and information dissemination through all media platforms and will report directly to Secretary (MeitY), coordinating with AS/JS/GC on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) matters. All Divisions of MeitY are required to route media plans through the CMC. The expenditure related to TA/DA during official tours will be borne by MeitY as per entitlement.
The order, issued with the approval of Secretary (MeitY), is effective immediately.
According to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the CMC’s role encompasses conceptualising, planning, and releasing funds for both paid and unpaid campaigns; coordinating media plans with the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC); managing creative content; devising campaign strategies; drafting press releases and FAQs; organizing press conferences and media interactions; media liaison and coordination; publishing Op-Eds; fact-checking; managing media plans for events; conducting press tours; monitoring media and providing feedback; and inter-agency coordination.
The CMC also has administrative and logistical responsibilities, including supervising staff and managing official correspondence. They will coordinate the annual budget for IEC activities. The CMC will coordinate with the client Ministry for planning annual budget for IEC activities under 'Advertisement & Publicity'. CMC will coordinate with the Ministry to place 40% of Advertisement & Publicity funds with the Ministry of I&B as per the DoE OM No. 7/53/2019-BA dated 30.04.2025.
The CMC shall have an office in the client Ministry and all files related to IEC and 'Advertisement & Publicity' shall be routed through him.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): The ministry where the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) will be located and whose activities will be supported by the CMC.
Chief of Media & Communications (CMC): Single Point of Contact for all matters relating to media engagements and information dissemination within a Ministry.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The ministry that initiated the establishment of CMCs in other ministries and provides policy guidance.
Press Information Bureau (PIB): Designates officers in each ministry that will become the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC).
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Document outlining the roles and duties of the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) within each Ministry/ Department.