Chief Minister Raman Singh on Wednesday said that media plays a crucial and an important role in creating a positive environment in the country and the society in general.
The role of Public Relations (PR) officers is very vital in this aspect.They need fire in the belly for telling latest news and should have cool heads, he said.
The officers should update themselves with latest technology and information, Singh said.
He was speaking at the two-day State-level workshop ''Samvaad Sethu' for the Public Relations Department officers at the Chhattisgarh State Administrative Academy here.
The Chief Minister added that the success of Public Relations officers depends upon the contacts on a regular basis with the media, people's representatives, citizenry and local officials.
The officials should have knowledge of the State Government schemes, programmes, developmental works in the district. They should work in a peaceful and congenial atmosphere, he said.
There should be a close co-ordination between the print, electronic media and social media. The successful implementation of various State Government schemes depends upon conveying the messages to masses, the Chief Minister said.
The Public Relations Department officers should put forward the viewpoint of the State in an efficient and clear way to the masses, Singh said.
He urged the gathering to utilise Facebook and Twitter for conveying Government’s messages, he said.
Singh added that Public Relations Department officials should tell the stories of the successful implementation of various schemes and their positive impact upon the society and lives of the poor.
The State Administrative Academy Director General and Additional Chief Secretary N. K. Aswal, Chief Minister's Principal Secretary Aman Kumar Singh, Public Relations Department Secretary Santosh Misra, Public Relations Department Director Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, Kushabhau Thakre Journalism University Vice-Chancellor Dr M. S. Parmar and Retired IAS officers Dr. Susheel Trivedi were present .
Additional Chief Secretary N. K. Aswal said that the officials should keep in mind the welfare of the masses.
He gave a detailed presentation of the activities of the State Administrative Academy.
Chief Minister's Principal Secretary Aman Kumar Singh said that the Public Relations Department officers should be well-versed in the art of conveying the message and news in the print, electronic and social media instantly.
Public Relations officer is a vital link between the State Government and the media. The image of the State Government depends upon the efficacy of the officers. The highlights of the day's news should be given to the journalists point-by-point, he said.
The media over a period of time will accept the stories if it suits its readers. The news items should be provided on time to get an extensive coverage, he said.
Public Relations Department Secretary Santosh Misra welcomed the gathering and spoke on the details of the workshop.
He added that it will enhance the skills of the officers. Director of Public Relations Department Rajesh Sukumar Toppo proposed a vote of thanks.
The Chief Minister later presented commendation certificates to officers and Award for Excellence shield to Bastar Division Public Relations Department. Public Relations Department officers from all the districts, Probationary I.A.S. officers and Probationary Deputy Collectors were present at the two-day workshop.