Don’t Speak to Media Without Permission: I&B Min Tells Officials

The decision was reportedly taken after officials were seen interacting with the press without prior authorisation.

File photo of Union Minister Smriti Irani.

(Photo: IANS)

Senior officials in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) have been asked to “refrain from interacting” with media, without the authorization of “competent authorities”, reported Times of India.

The circular was reportedly issued to the senior ministry staff after Smriti Irani was inducted as the department’s minister.

According to the report, the decision was taken after ministry officials were seen interacting with the press without prior authorisation.

In case of media approaching certain officials, they were asked to direct such personnel to the Press Information Bureau or avail permission of either the minister or the department secretary before meeting them.

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The circular reportedly reiterated that only government designated spokespersons were allowed to speak to the media on the government’s behalf, along with stating the procedures and guidelines to interact with media, the report added.

(With inputs from Times of India)

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