Para 58 — CSMOP
Original Rule Text
# 58. Communication of information to the press –
(i) Official information to the press and other news media, i.e. radio and television, shall normally be communicated through the Press Information Bureau.
(ii) Only Ministers, Secretaries and other officers specifically authorized in this behalf may give information or be accessible to the representatives of the press. Any other official, if approached by a representative of the press, will direct them to the Press Information Bureau or the officer authorized or shall seek the permission of the Secretary of the department before meeting the press.
(iii) Detailed procedure in respect of matters mentioned in this para, as laid down by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, shall be followed.
What This Means
Para 58 governs how official information reaches the press and other news media — newspapers, radio, and television. The rule is clear: official information normally goes to the media through the Press Information Bureau (PIB), not directly from Ministry officials.
Only three categories of people may give information directly to the press or speak to journalists: Ministers, Secretaries, and officers specifically authorised by the Secretary for this purpose. Any other official — including a Section Officer, Under Secretary, or Director — who is approached by a journalist must direct them to PIB or to the authorised officer, or must seek the Secretary's permission before any meeting with the press takes place.
This rule exists to ensure a single, coordinated narrative from the government. When multiple officials speak to the press on the same matter, inconsistencies emerge. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has laid down detailed procedures for implementing this, which must be followed.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- 1Official information to press, radio, and television should normally go through PIB.
- 2Only Ministers, Secretaries, and specifically authorised officers may speak to the press or media directly.
- 3Any other official approached by media must redirect them to PIB or the authorised officer.
- 4Before meeting the press independently, any non-authorised official must obtain the Secretary's permission.
- 5This rule applies to radio and television in addition to print press.
- 6The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's detailed procedures supplement Para 58.
Practical Example
A journalist contacts an ASO in the Ministry of Environment directly, asking for information about the status of a pending environmental clearance. The ASO must not provide any information or comments. The ASO should politely inform the journalist that official information is channelled through PIB and provide PIB's contact details. If the journalist insists and asks for a quote, the ASO must decline and inform the Section Officer, who in turn informs the Branch Officer. If the matter is urgent and requires a media response, the Secretary's office decides whether to authorise a specific officer to speak or route a statement through PIB.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.