The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has appointed Shri Manish Shiva Zole, Deputy Director (PIB), as the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC), effective December 17, 2025. This appointment follows 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 all media engagements and information dissemination across various platforms, reporting directly to the Secretary (MeitY) and coordinating with AS/JS/GC regarding Information, Education and Communication (IEC) matters. Divisions of Meity will route their media plans through the CMC. Expenditure on TA/DA and other working arrangements will be borne by Meity as per entitlement.
According to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, each Ministry/Department will have at least one designated PIB officer as a single point of contact for information dissemination and publicity. The seniormost PIB officer assigned to the Ministry/Department will be called the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) and will be responsible for all matters relating to media engagements and information dissemination through print, TV, radio, digital media, and other platforms.
The CMC's responsibilities include leading paid campaigns, coordinating with the Ministry for earmarking funds and approvals, preparing media plans, coordinating with CBC, taking approvals for creatives, advising Ministries on communication campaigns, drafting press releases, organizing press conferences, and maintaining media liaison. Administratively, the CMC will supervise supporting staff, manage correspondence, and maintain contact databases. On the financial side, the CMC coordinates budget planning and ensures adherence to guidelines. The CMC will be assisted by a team of officials from the client Ministry and shall have an office in the client Ministry where all files related to IEC and 'Advertisement & Publicity' shall be routed.
Contact for further information:
File No. A-19014/7/2025-HR Section (Computer No. 4032854)
Email: secy.inb@nic.in
Key Entities Referenced
Chief of Media & Communications (CMC): A designated officer in each ministry/department serving as a single point of contact for media engagements and information dissemination, as defined by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): The ministry where the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) position is being established, responsible for media engagements and information dissemination.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The ministry initiating the directive to streamline communication via Press Information Bureau (PIB) officers and establishing the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) roles across ministries.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC): A function which the Chief of Media & Communications (CMC) role will coordinate and deal with.
Press Information Bureau (PIB): A government agency whose officers are being integrated into various ministries and departments to strengthen communication.