Dated December 17, 2025, an office order from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) appoints Shri Manish Shiva Zole, Deputy Director (PIB), as Chief of Media & Communications (CMC). This appointment follows 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 all media engagements and information dissemination across print, TV, radio, digital, and other platforms. The CMC will report to Secretary (MeitY) and coordinate with AS/JS/GC on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) matters, and all MeitY divisions must route media plans through the CMC. TA/DA expenses will be handled by MeitY per the CMC's entitlement.
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting streamlined communication through Press Information Bureau (PIB) officers, designating the seniormost as Chief of Media & Communications (CMC). The CMC is responsible for media engagements and information dissemination across various platforms. Ministries are required to provide office space and support staff, ensure the CMC reports directly to the Secretary, and route media plans through the CMC.
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) defines the role of the CMC, including leading paid campaigns, coordinating funds and media plans, and working with CBC for media plan preparation, approvals, and execution. The CMC coordinates creatives through CBC and obtains necessary approvals. Responsibilities also include advising on communication campaigns, drafting press releases, organizing press conferences, maintaining media liaison, fact-checking, preparing media plans for events, conducting press tours, monitoring media coverage, and inter-agency coordination. Administratively, the CMC supervises staff, manages logistics, and maintains databases. For budget matters, they coordinate with the Ministry for annual budget planning, allocating funds, and managing utilization details through CBC. The CMC will be assisted by a team from the client Ministry, with all related files routed through him/her and requires an office within the Ministry.
Contact for File No. A-19014/7/2025-HR Section: secy.inb@nic.in
Key Entities Referenced
Chief of Media & Communications (CMC): Single Point of Contact for all matters relating to media engagements and information dissemination within a ministry/department.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): Government of India ministry, the context focuses on its media engagements.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: Government of India ministry, the context includes its role in strengthening communication and working with the CMC.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Document outlining the roles and duties of the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC).