IPRD and UNICEF Conduct Training Workshop for Newly Appointed Public Relations Officers
Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) in collaboration with UNICEF organized a special training program-cum-workshop for newly appointed Public Relations Officers (PROS). This one-day workshop was based on strong media management and better media coordination for the new Public Relations Officers, in which the focus was on the important role of the Public Relations Officer in all normal and emergency situations.
While addressing, Shri Anupam Kumar, Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, said that the role of the Public Relations Officer is very important. He told all the officials that they should have complete information about the government protocol and the department. Clarity of language and facts is very important while preparing a press release. He advised all the officials to maintain continuous coordination with the media personnel handling the beat of their department and ensure regular media interaction at the department level. Anticipation is very important in the context of crisis management so that only confirmed news is published and broadcast and no atmosphere of rumor is created. He advised all the officials to remain technically updated as well as to be aware of the environment at the department and state level. He also advised all the officials to live up to their responsibilities and discharge their duties proactively.
Shri Vaibhav Srivastava, Director, Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), Government of Bihar addressed the program. In his address, he emphasized the important role of Public Relations Officers (PROs) and said that transparent and effective media coordination helps in reaching the government policies to the public. Joint Secretary Shri Bidhu Bhushan Chaudhary and Joint Director, Shri Ravi Bhushan Sahay were also present and shared their valuable views. Joint Director, Shri Ravi Bhushan ji explained the entire functioning of the Information and Public Relations Department, Deputy Director, Shri Lal Babu Singh explained the promotion of government schemes through advertisements and Deputy Director (Contract), Shri Sunil Kumar Pathak explained the promotion of government schemes through special publicity.
Senior editors and communication experts from electronic and print media imparted practical knowledge to the public relations officers on important topics like preparing effective press releases, conducting press conferences, crisis communication management and use of digital platforms. Dr. Pooja Pasi, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Bihar moderated the workshop and made the sessions interactive and informative.
The newly appointed PROs participated actively during the training, asked questions from the experts and did practical exercises to develop the skills required to effectively communicate government schemes. These discussions helped in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and actual implementation.
On the occasion of the conclusion of the workshop, Shri Vaibhav Shrivastava, Director, IPRD said that continuous skill enhancement and capacity building of PROs is very important so that they can better act as a bridge between the government and the public. He emphasized on strengthening media participation, which will increase the wider reach, awareness and public confidence of government initiatives.
This initiative enables PROs to better use and utilize the media by equipping them with practical knowledge and modern communication tools so that they can effectively disseminate information on Government policies and welfare schemes to the public. The aim of this programme is to ensure timely, transparent, accountable and accessible dissemination of information, thereby increasing awareness and trust in Government among citizens
