Maharashtra Government Announces Regulations On Spread Of 'Fake' News

Mumbai: The General Administrative Department (GAD) of Maharashtra has instructed all departments to implement a protocol aimed at countering misinformation regarding the state government, as outlined in a recent government resolution.

A mechanism was established to identify and address "incorrect" news about government schemes, with departments required to issue clarifications within 12 hours. The media response cell of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR) will alert departments about misleading news reports for timely clarifications.

This initiative follows a previous resolution to establish a media monitoring center, with an estimated budget of ₹10 crore, to track news coverage related to the government across various platforms. The center is tasked with analyzing such coverage and addressing negative or misleading narratives about the state administration.

The GAD acknowledged that quick responses to serious misinformation are critical for maintaining the government's image. However, it noted that state departments have been slow to react to unsubstantiated claims made by the media regarding governmental functions.

Director General of Information and Public Relations, Brijesh Singh, emphasized that the circular aims to improve operational efficiency by promptly addressing significant news related to governance and enhancing citizen services.

This initiative is seen as a step towards greater transparency and accountability, ensuring that public grievances related to media-highlighted issues are effectively resolved. Follow-ups on feedback and fact sheets will ensure timely dissemination of accurate information concerning the government’s plans and policies.