Appointment of Chief of Media & Communications

On December 17, 2025, Shri Manish Shiva Zole, Deputy Director (PIB), was appointed as Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), effective immediately. This appointment is in accordance with Ministry of Information and Broadcasting D.O. No. M-20011/10/2025- Press dated November 12, 2025. The CMC will report directly to Secretary (MeitY) and coordinate with AS/JS/GC of the Ministry dealing with Information, Education and Communication (IEC). All Divisions of MeitY are to route their media plans through the CMC. The CMC will be the single point of contact for all media engagements and information dissemination across print, TV, radio, digital, and other platforms. TA/DA expenditure for the CMC's official tours will be borne by MeitY as per entitlement. All Ministries/ Departments will have at least one designated PIB officer who will act as single point-of-contact for all the information dissemination and publicity related issues. The seniormost PIB officer assigned to the respective Ministry/ Department will henceforth be called as Chief of Media & Communications (CMC). The CMC will be responsible for all matters relating to media engagements and information dissemination through print, TV, radio, digital media, and other platforms. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on the role and duties of the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC): 1. **Conceptualizing, Planning, and Release of Funds:** * The CMC leads all paid campaigns, handling planning, conceptualizing, and budgeting. * They coordinate with the Ministry for earmarking funds, approving media plans and creatives, scheduling campaigns, etc. * Paid media campaigns include advertisements in print, electronic, outdoor, digital, and social media. 2. **Media Plan and Execution:** * The CMC coordinates with CBC (Central Bureau of Communication) to prepare the Media Plan, providing requirements and budget. * CBC develops the Media Plan based on CMC's requirements, sharing it for approval. * CMC coordinates with the Client Ministry for approval and ensures funds are allocated to CBC. * CBC then executes the campaign upon receiving funds. 3. **Creatives:** * CBC maintains a panel of agencies for creating creatives. * Client Ministries place requirements with CBC through the CMC for Multimedia/Production Agency engagement. * The agency is selected per established procedures, with CMC supervising the creative process in consultation with the Client Ministry. * CMC obtains necessary approvals for creatives from the competent authority and shares them with CBC for release. 4. **Campaign Strategy:** * Advise Ministries on the design and implementation of communication campaigns for flagship schemes and initiatives. * Assist in conceptualizing campaign themes, key messages, and target audience identification. * Ensure the campaign strategy aligns with the overall Government communication priorities. 5. **Drafting & Issuing Press Releases, Rejoinders, FAQs etc.:** * Draft and issue press releases, rejoinders, FAQs, and other official communications related to Government policies and programs. * Coordinate with the Research Unit to prepare backgrounders, factoids, explainers, and detailed briefs for accurate information dissemination. * Ensure all issued materials are factually correct, concise, and consistent with Government communication guidelines. 6. **Organizing Press Conferences and Media Interactions:** * Organize press conferences, media briefings, and interviews of Ministers, Ministers of State, and Secretaries. * Facilitate interactions between Ministers and journalists to ensure effective media engagement. * Ensure smooth logistical and technical coordination during press events and interviews. 7. **Media Liaison & Coordination:** * Maintain active contact with journalists, editors, and media representatives. * Respond promptly to media queries and clarify the Government's position on important issues. * Ensure factual, balanced, and positive coverage of Government initiatives across media platforms. 8. **Publishing of Op-Eds:** * Coordinate publication of Op-Eds authored by Ministers, Ministers of State, Secretaries, and experts. * Facilitate placement of Op-Eds in national, regional, and Indian language newspapers. * Highlight achievements, reforms, and success stories through opinion pieces and expert columns. 9. **Fact Checking:** * Collaborate with the Fact Check Unit of PIB to identify misinformation or false narratives in media or online platforms. * Prepare factual clarifications and rejoinders to counter false or misleading reports. * Ensure prompt dissemination of verified information to maintain public trust. 10. **Media Plan for Events:** * Prepare detailed media plans for events organized by Ministries or Departments. * Invite media representatives and issue curtain-raiser press releases prior to the event. * Arrange a media desk at the venue and facilitate journalist interactions during the event. * Advise Ministries on preparing comprehensive media kits, including press notes, backgrounders, and FAQs. 11. **Conducting Press Tours:** * Plan and organize press tours to project sites, field locations, and beneficiary areas. * Facilitate direct interaction between journalists and beneficiaries to highlight success stories. * Ensure balanced and authentic reporting by showcasing ground-level implementation of schemes. 12. **Monitoring & Feedback:** * Monitor print, electronic, and digital media for coverage related to assigned Ministries or Departments. * Prepare and share daily media monitoring reports and perception analyses with concerned Ministries. * Provide timely feedback and communication insights to help refine the Ministry's outreach efforts. * Submit comprehensive coverage reports after major events or campaigns. 13. **Inter-Agency Coordination:** * Coordinate with the Ministry's Media Cell, Minister's Office, and Secretary's Office for unified communication efforts. * Collaborate with Doordarshan News, All India Radio, CBC, and other I&B media units for integrated outreach. * Ensure proper inter-agency coordination during national campaigns and high-visibility events. 14. **Administrative & Logistical Roles:** * Supervise and guide supporting staff in day-to-day media-related activities. * Manage official correspondence, event logistics, and record-keeping responsibilities. * Maintain and regularly update press and contact databases for effective communication. 15. **Budget & Accounting:** * 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. * CBC will provide the details of utilisation of funds of client Ministry to CMC as per requirement. 16. **Team with CMC:** * The CMC shall be assisted by a team of officials from the client Ministry for carrying out the role. * She/he shall have an office in the client Ministry and all files related to IEC and 'Advertisement & Publicity' shall be routed through him. Copies of the order have been sent to relevant personnel within MeitY, including Shri Manish Shiva Zole, Deputy Director (PIB) and CMC(MeitY), AS(AS)/AS(Pers.), All Group Coordinators, Dir(Pers.)/Dir(NK)/Dir(VT)/Dir(MYSK), Dir(Pers.III)/DS(Fin.)/DS(Genl. Admn.)/US(GC)/US(O&M)/SO(Pers.I)/SO(Pers.II), PAO/DDO, Intra-MeitY Portal/MeitY Website Cell. Informational copies have also been distributed to DG, NIC/DG, STQC Dte., CEO(UIDAI)/DG(ICERT)/CCA, CEOs of all Autonomous Societies and Companies under MeitY, PS to MEIT/PS to MOS(E&IT), OSD/PPS to Secretary, and All DS's/US's.

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