Paperman Media (Dhenkanal)- Underscoring the imperative of clarity in public outreach, Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, Bhubaneswar, today addressed a training programme for newly appointed Sub-Divisional Information and Public Relations Officers of the Odisha Information Service at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal.
Delivering a presentation on _“Development Communication: The Changing Paradigm of Government Communication System,” Shri Mishra asserted that the language of official communication must be simple, accessible, and easily comprehensible to citizens at the grassroots. He emphasized that communication and development are inextricably linked, and urged officers to proactively seek public feedback to assess the efficacy of their messaging.
Highlighting the pivotal role of Information Officers in disseminating government policies and flagship initiatives, Shri Mishra noted that effective communication remains fundamental to fostering awareness, transparency, and trust. He further cautioned that rigorous fact-verification is non-negotiable in official communication to curb the proliferation of misinformation.
To illustrate the distinction between authentic and false information, Shri Mishra engaged the officers in an interactive group exercise and explained its far-reaching implications for public perception and governance.
He also showcased key government programmes — including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana — through audio-visual tools, demonstrating how strategic communication amplifies policy outreach and citizen participation.
The session reinforced the evolving role of Information Officers as critical facilitators between the government and the public in an era of rapid media transformation.
