Maharashtra govt issues guidelines for responding to incorrect or misleading news reports
DGIPR) will identify and address factually incorrect news in print, electronic, and digital media.
Process for addressing incorrect news
For misleading reports in print media, the DGIPR will share the news with the relevant government department, which must gather and provide the required information within 12 hours. If the misinformation appears in electronic or digital media, the concerned minister or official must submit a response or sound bite within two hours.
Each government department is required to appoint a joint secretary or deputy secretary-rank officer to ensure prompt collection and submission of information to the DGIPR. The feedback and factual clarifications will be published on the DGIPR’s blog and website the same day and shared with the concerned media outlet for clarification.
Follow-up and coordination
The DGIPR will also forward relevant information about the state to the Press Information Bureau for further action. Additionally, the department must follow up with media houses to ensure that the corrected information is published.
Government's objective
«Through this circular (GR), the government aims to enhance its operational efficiency by taking cognisance of significant news related to governance and providing better services to citizens,» said Brijesh Singh, Director General of Information and Public Relations.
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«It is a significant step towards transparent and accountable governance. It will ensure that information and issues highlighted by the media are promptly addressed, leading to the establishment of a more effective mechanism for resolving public grievances,» Singh added.
Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government announced plans to set up a media-monitoring centre