Patna: The Bihar Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), in collaboration with UNICEF, organised a one-day training workshop for newly appointed Public Relations Officers (PROs), focusing on media management and crisis communication. The workshop aimed to enhance coordination between PROs and the media, equipping them with skills to effectively communicate government policies.
Addressing the session, Anupam Kumar, Secretary of IPRD, underscored the crucial role of PROs in both routine and emergency situations. He advised officials to maintain accurate and clear communication, adhere to government protocols, and build strong relationships with journalists covering their respective departments. Emphasising crisis management, Kumar highlighted the importance of anticipating challenges to prevent misinformation and maintain public trust. He also urged PROs to stay updated with technological advancements and state-level developments.
Vaibhav Srivastava, Director of IPRD, stressed that transparent and effective media coordination plays a key role in disseminating government policies to the public. Other senior officials, including Joint Secretary Bidhu Bhushan Chaudhary and Joint Director Ravi Bhushan Sahay, provided insights into the department’s functioning and media strategies. Deputy Directors Lal Babu Singh and Sunil Kumar Pathak discussed the role of advertisements and special publicity campaigns in promoting government schemes.
Senior editors and communication experts from electronic and print media conducted sessions on press release writing, press conference management, crisis communication, and digital media usage. Dr Pooja Pasi, Communication Specialist at UNICEF Bihar, moderated the workshop, making it interactive and engaging.
The newly appointed PROs actively participated in the training, engaging in practical exercises and discussions to bridge the gap between theory and implementation. Srivastava concluded the workshop by emphasising the need for continuous skill development among PROs, stating that strengthening media participation would enhance public awareness and confidence in government initiatives.
The initiative aims to equip PROs with modern communication tools, ensuring timely, transparent, and accessible information dissemination, ultimately fostering greater public trust in the government.
