Dated December 17, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has appointed Shri Manish Shiva Zole, Deputy Director (PIB), as Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) for MeitY, as per Ministry of Information and Broadcasting D.O. No. M-20011/10/2025-Press dated 12.11.2025. The CMC serves as the Single Point of Contact for media engagements and information dissemination across various platforms.
The CMC reports directly to Secretary (MeitY) and coordinates with AS/JS/GC on Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) matters. All MeitY Divisions must route their media plans through the CMC. TA/DA expenditure for CMC's official tours will be covered by MeitY.
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the roles and duties of the CMC, including:
* Leading paid campaigns, planning, conceptualizing, and budgeting.
* Coordinating with CBC for media plan preparation and execution, adhering to budget guidelines.
* Overseeing creative production through CBC’s panel of agencies.
* Advising on campaign design and implementation.
* Drafting press releases, rejoinders, and FAQs.
* Organizing press conferences and media interactions.
* Maintaining media liaison and coordination.
* Coordinating publication of Op-Eds.
* Fact-checking.
* Preparing media plans for events.
* Conducting press tours.
* Monitoring media coverage and providing feedback.
* Coordinating with various media units and the Ministry's Media Cell.
* Supervising supporting staff and managing related administrative tasks.
* Planning the annual budget for IEC activities.
The CMC also coordinates with the Ministry to allocate 40% of Advertisement & Publicity funds with the Ministry of I&B, as per DoE OM No. 7/53/2019-BA dated 30.04.2025. The CMC is assisted by a team from the client Ministry, and their office is located within the Ministry. All IEC and 'Advertisement & Publicity' files are routed through the CMC.
Key Entities Referenced
Chief of Media & Communications (CMC): A single point of contact within each Ministry/Department for all matters relating to media engagements and information dissemination.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): The ministry for which the office order appoints a CMC and which divisions of the ministry route their media plans through the CMC.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: The ministry that initiated the CMC concept and is responsible for coordinating media and communication efforts across various ministries.
Press Information Bureau (PIB): An organization with officers that will now be designated as Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) in each Ministry/Department to streamline communication.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC): Matters related to IEC with which the CMC will coordinate within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology