Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Jammu, December 12 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting of the Information Department at the Civil Secretariat, focusing on improving efficiency and outreach. He emphasized the need for targeted digital campaigns to enhance the visibility of government initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Information Rehana Batul, Director Information Jatin Kishore, and senior officials from the department.
CM Abdullah called for streamlining the single-window system for film shooting permissions to eliminate delays. He stressed fairness and transparency in the advertisement policy for newspapers, directing officials to ensure impartial allocation of advertisements based on circulation. The department was also urged to align its practices with Bureau of Outreach and Communication (DAVP) guidelines.
Highlighting the role of social media, the Chief Minister called for stronger digital engagement to showcase government initiatives. He directed officials to address pending journalist accreditation applications by communicating discrepancies and facilitating timely approvals.
On staffing issues, CM Abdullah urged the department to expedite the recruitment process to fill vacant posts, noting that adequate manpower is crucial for operational efficiency. He also called for upgrading equipment to improve coverage of official events.
During the meeting, Secretary Information Rehana Batul presented a comprehensive report on the department’s operations, including human resources, advertisement spending, newspaper empanelment, and journalist accreditation.
Key initiatives like the “Beats of J&K” and “Inspire Gen-Z” campaigns, along with the hosting of the J&K Film Conclave-2024 and implementation of the J&K Film Policy-2024, were highlighted.
The department’s role in promoting Jammu and Kashmir during the G-20 Summit was also acknowledged. Discussions covered the department’s budget, current expenditures, and proposed CAPEX for 2024-25. CM Abdullah urged officials to meet challenges with urgency and commitment, underscoring the department’s role in shaping public perception and promoting government initiatives.
