Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has asked Odisha Information Service (OIS) officers to strengthen the state’s digital communication and social media presence, expressing concern that Odisha is lagging behind in information outreach.
The Chief Minister also announced that a clear social media policy would be introduced soon.
Speaking at a review meeting of the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department on Friday, Majhi emphasised that the role of information officers goes beyond issuing press releases. Their primary responsibility is to establish an effective communication link between the government and the public, he said.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to ensure that government schemes and welfare initiatives reach people at the grassroots level quickly, enabling beneficiaries to access the intended benefits without delay.
Majhi revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reviewed his social media performance and shared a report with him. Expressing surprise at the gap highlighted in the assessment, the Chief Minister said he had forwarded the report to the Chief Secretary and the Additional Chief Secretary of the I&PR Department, directing them to take necessary steps to improve the state’s digital outreach.
Focus on social media
The Chief Minister called for greater emphasis on content creation and the effective use of social media platforms to communicate government initiatives. He advised officers to prioritise positive and constructive news and make information more accessible to the public.
He also highlighted the importance of understanding emerging social media trends, particularly those influencing younger audiences. Officers were asked to develop communication strategies that can engage young people and adapt to changing digital habits.
Majhi underscored the need to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including ChatGPT, to improve the efficiency and quality of government communication. However, he cautioned that such technologies must be used responsibly.
He also called for vigilance against the harmful effects of deepfakes and other forms of misleading digital content, stressing the importance of maintaining credibility and accuracy in public communication.
The Chief Minister said social media should not be treated merely as a platform for disseminating government information. It should also serve as a channel for listening to citizens, understanding their concerns and taking their feedback seriously.
He emphasised that effective communication requires government departments to respond to public sentiment and ensure that information about policies and welfare schemes reaches the intended audiences.
Outlining his approach to public communication, Majhi highlighted the 3S formula — accurate, speedy and simple. He said information should be factually correct, delivered promptly and presented in language that ordinary people can easily understand.
He also pointed to the growing importance of mobile phones in communication, urging the department to make better use of digital platforms to disseminate information efficiently.
The proposed social media policy is expected to provide a clearer framework for the government’s digital communication efforts. The Chief Minister’s directions signal a push to modernise Odisha’s information services, strengthen public engagement and ensure faster and more effective communication of government initiatives.
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