The Information Wing of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is mandated with the task of Information dissemination, education and communication of various Government policies and Programmes through the various media units. It also undertakes the Cadre management of Indian Information Service, Policy formulation and administration, Policy planning and Coordination with various Media Units and Autonomous Institutions of the Ministry.

Information Wing plays a significant role in dissemination of information on key policy initiatives of the Government through various modes of communication and integrating various media campaigns for better outreach and impact. It also formulates necessary policies for facilitating the growth of print media and improving its reach. This endeavour of Information Wing is achieved with the help of the following Media Units under the Ministry:

1. Central Bureau of Communication

Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) was created by the Ministry on 08.12.2017 by merging the erstwhile media units of Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP) and Song & Drama Division (S&DD) to have synergy and integrated approach between these organisations; better utilisation of resources and workforce; and to deliver better communication to the masses in every states and every districts. CBC including its Delhi Headquarter consists of 23 Regional Offices and 148 Field Offices (FOBs).

CBC takes care of communication needs of the Ministry/Departments and Government Organisations at Headquarter level and interpersonal communication at Regional and Field level through live media utilizing wide range of performing arts such as Drama, Dance-Drama, Composite programmes, Puppetry, Ballets, Operas, Folk and Traditional Recitals, Mythological Recitals and other Local Folk and Traditional forms, propagating policies and programmes of the Government.

CBC undertakes multi-media advertising and publicity for various Ministries and Departments of Government of India through print media, electronic media, digital media, outdoor publicity, live performances and arts etc. CBC acts as a service agency and communicates at grassroots level on behalf of various Central Government Ministries/ Departments.

Website : Central Bureau of Communication

2. Electronic Media Monitoring Centre

Electronic Media Monitoring Centre (EMMC) is entrusted with the task of monitoring the content being aired by permitted satellite TV channels for any violation of Programme and Advertising Codes under the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995. EMMC is a premier set-up with advanced technologies to monitor, record and analyze broadcast content.

Website : Electronic Media Monitoring Centre

3. Indian Institute of Mass Communication

The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (XXI of 1860), came into existence on August 17, 1965. The Institute was established with the basic objective of teaching, training and undertaking research in the areas of journalism, media and mass communication. IIMC Headquarters is at New Delhi and 05 Regional Campuses are located at Maharashtra, Mizoram, Kerala, Odisha and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

IIMC alongwith its five Regional campuses was notified as a Deemed to be University by the M/o Education on the advice of University Grants Commission on 31.01.2024.

IIMC is conducting a number of specialized courses for meeting the diverse and demanding requirements of the rapidly expanding and changing media industry in modern times. Apart from training officers of the Indian Information Service, the Institute conducts a number of Post-Graduate Diploma Courses in Print Journalism (English, Hindi, Urdu, Odia, Marathi and Malayalam), Radio T.V. Journalism and Advertising Public Relations.

The Institute also conducts a PG Diploma in Development Journalism for mid-level working journalists from Asian, African, Latin American and East European countries, sponsored by Ministry of External Affairs under the ITEC, SCAAP and TCS of Colombo Plan Schemes. A number of specialized short-term Courses, ranging from one week to four weeks, are also organized to meet the ever-growing training needs of communication professionals working in various media, publicity and operational outfits of the Central and State Governments, as well as in Public Sector Organizations.

The institute continuously endeavours to contribute towards creation and strengthening of an information structure suitable not only for India’s requirements, but also those of other developing countries. IIC provides its expertise and consultancy services to other institutions in response to requests received from Central and State Governments, CPSUs, Universities etc.

Website : Indian Institute of Mass Communication

4. New Media Wing

The New Media Wing has emerged as a pivotal force in the dissemination of information on policies, programs, and achievements of the Government. With the rise of social media platforms, this wing has leveraged creative content in the form of videos, graphics, online competitions, and live coverage of important events to effectively communicate flagship schemes to the public. By utilizing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and hyper local platforms like Public App, the wing ensures that the messages reach a wider audience and engage with citizens on multiple fronts. The wing also recognizes the importance of communicating in local languages to bridge the communication gap and make the information accessible to diverse populations. Furthermore, the wing's focus on creating impactful content using Instagram reels and memes showcases its ability to adapt to evolving trends and capture the attention of the digital-savvy population. By tapping into popular formats, the wing increases the likelihood of content being shared widely, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of the messages.

A part of Central Sector Scheme – Development, Communication and Information Dissemination (DCID) – social media platform is being implemented by NMW. Under this scheme, two projects – Social Media Activities and Integrated Dashboard (SAMVAD) are being implemented.

Functions of New Media Wing: NMW aims at effective social media publicity of Government’s policies/programmes/decisions/initiatives/campaigns through various Social Media handles i.e. @inbministry on Facebook, @MIB_India and @MIB_Hindi on Twitter, @inbministry on Youtube, @MIB_India on Instagram, @MIB_India on Telegram and @MIB_India on Public App. It communicates with audience in the form of videos, graphics, online competitions and live coverage of important government events. Some of the major social media campaigns undertaken by NMW are ‘COVID-19 Awareness campaign’ (#IndiaFightsCorona) and ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

The significant activities of NMW include: ‘COVID-19 Awareness campaign’ (#IndiaFightsCorona)-COVID- 19 statistics such as vaccine dose administered and samples tested, prevention guidelines, myths and facts, and COVID Appropriate Behaviours have been posted from dedicated Twitter handle @COVIDNewsByMIB (#IndiaFightsCorona). During the Covid-19 pandemic, the New Media Wing played a vital role in disseminating information on behavior change communication. It adopted impactful and appealing modes of communication such as Instagram reels and memes to effectively convey public health messages. These creative formats captured the attention of social media users, making the messages more relatable and shareable. By using such innovative approaches, the wing successfully encouraged citizens to adopt preventive measures, follow guidelines, and contribute to the collective effort in combating the pandemic.

‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ - For ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, over 3000 creatives (including videos and graphics ) related to freedom fighters, unsung leaders and prominent events of India’s freedom struggle have been shared across social media platforms, since the launch of the campaign. As part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign, the New Media Wing placed significant emphasis on providing extensive media coverage and publicity to unsung heroes, socio- cultural reformers, and individuals making a positive impact in society. By highlighting their stories and contributions, the wing aimed to inspire citizens and foster a sense of pride and unity. Through a citizen-centric approach, the wing ensured that these stories reached the last mile of social media users, creating a sense of inclusivity and celebration.

NMW has also initiated the use of emerging technologies and has produced Artificial Intelligence (AI) based videos of freedom fighters based on their archival speeches and images sourced from AIR and Photo Division. The Wing has also utilized A.I. tools for generating Voice Over (Text-to-Speech) for its unique video packages such as Daily Wrap, Weeknama and G20 Bulletin.

Social media campaigns on major Government events including:

Website : nmw.gov.in

5. Press Council of India

The Press Council of India (PCI) is a statutory quasi-judicial autonomous authority mandated by the Parliament for the twin objective of preserving the freedom of the press and maintaining and improving the standards of newspapers and the news agencies in India. Press Council of India exercises its quasi-judicial powers over the authorities as well as the press personnel. It comprises of a Chairman and 28 Members. The Chairman, by convention, been a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, of the 28 members, 20 represent various segments of the Press and eight are representatives of the two Houses of Parliament (3 LokSabha and 2 RajyaSabha) and premier literary and legal bodies of the country i.e. University Grants Commission, Bar Council of India and Sahitya Academy. The Council performs its functions under the Press Council Act, 1978 with the funds comprising of Grants-in-Aid from the Central Government, Levy fee from Newspapers and other receipts.

Website : Press Council of India

6. Press Information Bureau

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) is the nodal agency of the Government of India to disseminate information to the print, electronic and social media on Government policies, programmes, initiatives and achievements. It functions as an interface between the Government and the media and also provides feedback to the Government on the reaction of people as reflected in the media.

The important functions of PIB are : -

Photo Division under PIB is mandated to provide visual support through photo coverage of the varied activities of the Government of India. Established in October 1959, it is perhaps the only organization in the country which has a rich repository of about more than 10 lakhs of negatives/ transparencies preserved in digital format, beginning from the Pre-Independence era to the present day. Thus Photo Division plays a significant role in production and storage of still photographs which are of immense historical value. Website: http://photodivision.gov.in

PIB functions as an interface between the Government and the media, advises government on communication strategies best suited to meet the needs of the media and keeps Government informed of public perception about government policies and programmes as reflected in media.

Website : Press Information Bureau

7. Publications Division

Publications Division is a repository of books and journals highlighting subjects of national importance and India’s rich cultural heritage. Established in 1941, Publications Division has emerged as a premier publishing house of the Government of India. The contribution of DPD assumes importance as being a unique publishing house competing in the market on one hand, and a pioneer government organization on the other. The Division played a pioneering role in publishing classic works during the days when the Indian publishing industry was nascent and media reach was limited. Books on the life and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi hold a place of pride for the Division. Publications Division has published several books on Gandhian thoughts including the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (CWMG) in 100 volumes, in English, and Sampoorna Gandhi Vangmaya in Hindi which is considered to be the most comprehensive and authentic collection of Gandhiji’s writings.

The Division enjoys credibility among the publishers and is well recognised for the authenticity of the content and affordable price of publications. Publications Division, in collaboration with Gujarat Vidyapeeth, and under the supervision of prominent Gandhian scholars, has also prepared the e-version of the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (e-CWMG), a fully searchable Master copy, in the form of a well-designed set of DVDs.

This monumental work is a lasting contribution to the national heritage by preserving Mahatma Gandhi’s written words in permanent and tamper-proof electronic format. The e-CWMG is also hosted on the Gandhi Heritage Portal, a comprehensive repository of authentic Gandhian literature. The endeavor to get more Gandhian titles is continuing. Publications Division is continuously endeavoring to outreach its efforts to further enrich and diversify its content and to reach more and more people. With this end in mind, Publications Division is making meticulous efforts to make partnership arrangements with reputed institutions, Gandhian Organizations, and prestigious publishers working for similar causes of enriching the reading public.

Publications Division is also making similar arrangements with its sister organizations in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Such partnerships have already started bearing fruits and the Publications Division is being enriched with quality publications in the areas of Gandhian thought, art, culture, cinema, and other aspects of national heritage.

Besides books, the Publications Division also publishes 18 monthly journals, which include Yojana in English, Hindi and 11 other languages, Kurukshetra (English and Hindi), Bal Bharati (Hindi) and Aajkal (Hindi and Urdu). These journals have a large readership and enjoy a high degree of credibility among the public. These journals reflect the initiatives of the Government and the country’s progress in different areas covering a wide range of subjects such as economic development, rural reconstruction, community development, literature, culture, children’s literature and information on employment and career opportunities.

Yojana, the flagship journal of the Division published since 1957, seeks to carry the message of planned development to all sections of society and serves as a forum to promote a healthy discussion representing a cross-section of views on socio-economic aspects of development. Kurukshetra, published since 1952 in English and Hindi, is a unique monthly journal dedicated to rural development issues. Bal Bharati, the popular children’s monthly in Hindi, is being published regularly since 1948. Its objective is to provide healthy entertainment to children while educating them at the same time. Ajkal, the prestigious literary magazine published since 1945 in Hindi and 1942 in Urdu, brings out a number of special issues and covers different aspects of Indian culture and literature.

Publications Division is headed by Director General (DG), who is assisted by Director level officers heading Editorial, Business, Production, IT and Administration divisions and Employment News. The headquarters of the Publications Division is at Soochna Bhavan, CGO Complex at New Delhi and it functions through its various sales emporia at New Delhi (Headquarters), Delhi (old Secretariat), Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram and Yojana offices at New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Thiruvananathapruam and Bengaluru.

Website : Publications Division

8. Registrar of Newspapers for India

The Registrar of Newspapers for India is an Attached Office set up under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 for Registration of Newspapers/Periodicals, Issue of Certificate of Registration and Verification of circulation claims of newspapers.

The main statutory functions of RNI include maintaining a Register of newspapers and publications published across the country, issuing Certificate of Registration to newspapers and publications, informing District Magistrates concerned about approval of titles of fresh newspapers and scrutinizing and analyzing the annual statements submitted by the publishers of newspapers and publications. RNI also submits an annual report on the print media scenario in the country, named ‘Press in India’, to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. RNI authenticates self-declaration certificates for import of newsprint to actual users registered with RNI. Apart from these functions, the office also conducts circulation verification of the registered publications, for the purpose of CBC advertisements.

Website : Registrar of Newspapers for India