Maharashtra Govt Issues Guidelines for Responding to Incorrect or Misleading News Reports

The Maharashtra government on Friday, March 28, issued guidelines for analysing the news in various media concerning the administration and state, and providing prompt clarification or response if any report is incorrect or misleading. A Government Resolution (GR) or order said the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) will collate news reports in the print, electronic media as well as on digital platforms that are factually incorrect.

The GR said that the DGIPR will share a report in the print media with the respective government department, which will gather necessary information and provide it to the DGIPR within 12 hours. As for inaccurate news published by electronic/digital media, the feedback and response or sound byte of the concerned minister or official should be provided to the DGIPR within two hours.

Every department should appoint a joint secretary or deputy secretary-rank officer so that information can be compiled and sent to the DGIPR as soon as possible. The DGIPR will publish the feedback/information on its blog and website on the same day and also forward it to the concerned newspaper, news channel, or digital media for clarification.

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The DGIPR will also forward information related to the state to the Press Information Bureau for necessary action. After forwarding feedback or factual information to a media house, the DGIPR should follow up so that it is published, the GR said.

“Through this circular (GR), the government aims to enhance its operational efficiency by taking cognisance of significant news related to governance and providing better services to citizens,” said Brijesh Singh, Director General of Information and Public Relations to the news agency PTI.

“It is a significant step towards transparent and accountable governance. It will ensure that information and issues highlighted by the media are promptly addressed, leading to the establishment of a more effective mechanism for resolving public grievances,” Singh said.

Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government said it will set up a media monitoring centre to analyse news content and provide feedback and allocated a budget of Rs 10 crore for the purpose.