Appointment of Chief of Media & Communications

**Office Order:** Dated 17.12.2025, Shri Manish Shiva Zole, Deputy Director (PIB), has been appointed as Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). **Role of CMC:** The CMC will act as the Single Point of Contact for all matters relating to media engagements and information dissemination through print, TV, radio, digital media, and other platforms. **Reporting and Coordination:** The CMC will report directly to Secretary (MeitY) and coordinate with AS/JS/GC of MeitY dealing with Information, Education and Communication (IEC) matters. All Divisions of Meity will route their media plan for the Ministry's activities/initiatives and response to media through the CMC. **Financial Matters:** Expenditure on TA/DA during official tours and other working arrangements will be borne by Meity as per his entitlement. **Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for CMC:** * The CMC will lead all paid campaigns of the Ministry, including planning, conceptualizing, and budgeting. * CMC will coordinate with the Ministry for earmarking funds for campaigns, approval of media plan and creatives, and schedule of campaigns. * The CMC shall coordinate with CBC for the preparation of the Media Plan. * The CMC will coordinate with the client Ministry for approval of the media plan and ensure allocation of funds to CBC before execution. * CBC maintains a panel of Agencies for production of creatives. * The necessary approvals for the creatives shall be taken by the CMC from the competent authority and the approved creatives will be shared with CBC for release. * Advise Ministries on the design and implementation of communication campaigns for flagship schemes and initiatives. * Draft and issue press releases, rejoinders, FAQs, and other official communications related to Government policies and programmes. * Organize press conferences, media briefings, and interviews of Ministers, Ministers of State, and Secretaries. * Maintain active contact with journalists, editors, and media representatives. * Coordinate publication of Op-Eds authored by Ministers, Ministers of State, Secretaries, and experts. * Collaborate with the Fact Check Unit of PIB to identify misinformation or false narratives in media or online platforms. * Prepare detailed media plans for events organized by Ministries or Departments. * Plan and organize press tours to project sites, field locations, and beneficiary areas. * Monitor print, electronic, and digital media for coverage related to assigned Ministries or Departments. * Coordinate with the Ministry's Media Cell, Minister's Office, and Secretary's Office for unified communication efforts. * Supervise and guide supporting staff in day-to-day media-related activities. * CMC will coordinate with the client Ministry for planning annual budget for IEC activities under 'Advertisement & Publicity'. * The CMC shall be assisted by a team of officials from the client Ministry for carrying out the role. **Contact for queries or support:** secy.inb@nic.in This order comes into effect immediately.

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