Key Points
Departments must clarify misleading news within 12 hours for print media
Electronic media corrections due in 2 hours
DGIPR to coordinate media follow-ups
System aims to improve govt's public perception
In accordance with the review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier, a protocol has been set up that needs to be followed by the concerned departments to identify and counter "incorrect" news about various government scheme or programmes.
"If the government considers the seriousness of such news/incidents and responds to them promptly, it helps to raise the image of the government in the public mind. However, despite this, it has been observed by the government that the departments of the state government are not quick to respond to the unsubstantiated/misleading news published in various media about the overall functioning of the state government," the circular read.
According to an official circular, the government departments are expected to issue clarifications within 12 hours and two hours on "misleading or incorrect news" published in the print and electronic media, respectively. The departments have been tasked to follow up with media houses for correction or clarification on the misleading news.
The media response cell of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) would notify the concerned departments regarding any misleading news item so they can issue clarifications.
"As per the instructions issued by Fadnavis during a cabinet meeting on February 2, 2025, the Government was considering the issue of formulating a detailed informative format for all the ministerial departments with a view to ensuring that factual information regarding the news worthy of response regarding the working/functioning of the State Government published in various popular media is immediately available from the concerned department," the circular read.
"The Directorate General of Information and Public Relations shall follow up on the feedback/fact sheets received from the departments to the relevant print/electronic media so that they are disseminated as soon as possible. In this way, if the government responds appropriately and within a specified time frame to news that is worthy of a response and is published in the media, it will help the public to get factual and positive information about the government's plans and policies," it added.
Comments:
About time! Too much fake news circulates without any official response. This will help maintain transparency 👍
12 hours is still too slow in today's fast news cycle. Viral misinformation does most damage in first 2-3 hours.
Hope this doesn't become a tool to suppress legitimate criticism. The guidelines need proper oversight mechanisms.
Good initiative but implementation will be key. Most departments aren't equipped for rapid response operations.
Finally! I've seen so many half-truths about welfare schemes that discourage people from applying. Accurate info matters!