In an effort to tackle misinformation more effectively, the government has begun training senior bureaucrats on using modern communication tools like social media and podcasts to share factual updates and progress on government schemes.
High-Level Workshop for Senior Officials
A day-long workshop was recently held for all secretary-level officers, according to sources. Senior bureaucrats including the Principal Secretaries to the Prime Minister, P.K. Mishra and Shaktikanta Das, along with Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somnathan, delivered detailed presentations on how to use new-age media for faster and more impactful communication.
Expanding the Programme Across Ranks
The training initiative will continue in stages. Sessions for additional and joint secretaries are scheduled later this week, followed by a similar sensitisation programme for directors next week. The goal is to ensure that officers across ministries can issue quick, accurate, and clear responses when misinformation spreads.
Exploring New Communication Channels
Officials are also considering partnerships with influencers and public figures who can amplify verified information to wider audiences. “Influencers and artists can sometimes have a stronger impact than traditional government communication,” said a senior official involved in the initiative.
Setting Up Rapid Response Units
The government is planning to establish rapid response units within key ministries to monitor online narratives and respond promptly with verified data and context. These teams will help strengthen public trust by ensuring factual information reaches people before rumours can take hold.
