Maharashtra Government sets up protocol to counter ‘incorrect’ media reports on schemes

GAD directs departments to counter misinformation about Maharashtra Government promptly with a new protocol in place.

The General Administrative Department (GAD) directed all departments to set up a protocol to counter misinformation and misleading content about the functioning of the Maharashtra Government in a government resolution.

“If the Government considers the seriousness of such news/incidents and responds to them promptly, it helps to raise the image of the Government in the public mind. However, despite this, it has been observed by the Government that the departments of the State Government are not quick to respond to the unsubstantiated/misleading news published in various media about the overall functioning of the state government,” GAD said in the circular

A mechanism and protocol to identify and counter “incorrect” news about Government schemes was set up in the meeting. Government departments are expected to issue the clarification within 12 hours. The media response cell of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) will notify the respective departments of any misleading news reports in order to issue clarifications.

“The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations shall follow up on the feedback/fact sheets received from the departments to the relevant print/electronic media so that they are disseminated as soon as possible. If the Government responds appropriately and within a specified time frame to news that is worthy of a response and is published in the media, it will help the public to get factual and positive information about the Government’s plans and policies,” GAD added in the circular.