Functions of Different Sections of the Information and Public Relations Department

 Functions of Journalistic Affairs Section

This Section deals with all the affairs of the journalists as is evident from its name. This section keeps a complete record of the working journalists attached with newspapers and issue accreditation cards to them if recommended by the Management of the concerned newspaper. This section is also responsible for recommending the issuance of declaration for installation of a printing press or launching a newspaper, to the District Magistrate concerned after ensuring that no such press or newspaper in the same name/title exists in the province.

It also scrutinize and check the activity report of a press on monthly basis and ensure that nothing contrary to the integrity of the country, province, nation, or a particular sect is printed by it. If such a thing is observed or the printing press fails to submit its report for scrutiny after necessary reminders, then this section recommends to the District Magistrate for forfeiting the security and closing down the printing press. This section also deals with the inter-provincial or foreign tours of the journalists on Government expenses and gives uniform representation to them besides recommending them for getting free treatment facility in Government Hospitals and for getting plots in various towns of province on reserved quotas. This section also arrange the lodging, boarding of the journalists of other provinces when on tour to this part of the country provided the tour is arranged with mutual consultation. For this purpose, the department deputes a senior and experienced Assistant Director or Information Officer as Liaison Officer and chalk out a detailed programme of their visit to places of historical, religious, cultural, social and political importance. The Liaison Officer also arranges meetings with the Governor, Chief Minister and other high-ups of the Government including Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and the Chairman of the Local Bodies including Municipal Corporation, Committees and District Councils.

These meetings provide opportunities to the visiting journalists to know more about the historical background, Administrative/social set-up, traditions of particular areas, the working and development activities and the future programmed of the concerned organizations as well as the Provincial Government and the participation of the people through their elected representatives.