The Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Department of Odisha underscored the pivotal role of Information Officers in delivering citizen-centric services during a high-level meeting led by Hemant Sharma, the newly appointed Additional Chief Secretary of the department.
Speaking at the Lok Sampark Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Sharma emphasised the complementary relationship between information dissemination and public relations, urging officers to amplify government initiatives through innovative and systematic approaches.
Sharma, who assumed his role on July 23, 2025, held discussions with senior officials, including Director Anuj Kumar Das Pattnaik, Technical Director Gurabir Singh, and Additional Secretary Smt. Bishnupriya Sahu. He highlighted the critical responsibility of Information Officers in bridging the gap between various government departments—such as Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Public Works, Rural Development, Revenue, and Law—and the public.
By ensuring timely and accurate communication, these officers play a key role in making government schemes and services accessible to citizens.“Information and public relations are two sides of the same coin,” Sharma said. “Our officers must ensure that vital information reaches the public through electronic, print, and social media platforms to foster transparency and trust.” He called for innovative approaches to public communication and stressed the importance of collaboration and mutual respect among officers and staff to uphold the department’s reputation.
The meeting also addressed the welfare of journalists and the operational challenges faced by the department. Sharma’s vision includes leveraging modern media channels to broaden the reach of government programs, ensuring that the public remains well-informed and engaged.
The event marked a significant step toward strengthening the I&PR Department’s role in Odisha’s governance framework, with a renewed focus on public service and communication excellence.
