NEW DELHI: Concerned about distorted, fake and negative stories on social media getting quick traction, govt has directed all secretaries to promptly “respond” to such news in an articulated and factual manner.
In a communication to the secretaries, the Cabinet Secretariat said the information and broadcasting ministry will prepare an SOP to respond to “fake news/misinformation/motivated criticism/ misleading, distorted and inaccurate facts/opinionated news/miscommunication in print, electronic and social media”. For some news reports that do not require a response, a guideline will be issued by the ministry.
Recently, cabinet secretary TV Somanathan chaired a meeting of all secretaries on an effective “communication plan”, following PM Narendra Modi’s direction to ministers and secretaries to “inform” people about govt’s decisions and good works in the most effective manner.
TOI has learnt that Union information and broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju, in his presentation at the meeting, had pointed out how nearly 71% people preferred online medium for news, with 49% relying on social media.
He had also said the changed landscape necessitated timely dissemination of information and posed a challenge in responding to fake news and misinformation. Jaju highlighted the need for “timely response to fake news on social media during the golden hour”, according to the minutes of the meeting.
In the meeting, the pharmaceuticals and culture secretary flagged that sometimes departments’ response is “deliberately delayed” by certain media outlets to distort news to get traction.
The Cabinet Secretariat, in its communication, said secretaries are authorised to interact with the media off and on record on approved govt policies, schemes and programmes to provide clarity or to respond to fake and distorted news.
However, they should avoid briefing the media on proposals under discussion or on speculative stories. Secretaries and other officers should avoid any perception of “self-aggrandisement or claiming of personal credit”, it said.