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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | I&B ministry’s plan to have separate social media cell faces hurdle -Mahendra Singh

I&B ministry’s plan to have separate social media cell faces hurdle -Mahendra Singh

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published Published on Jun 17, 2013   modified Modified on Jun 17, 2013
-The Times of India


NEW DELHI: The plan to give tablets, laptops and smart phones to babus as part of the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry's proposal to set up a social media cell has hit a major hurdle with Planning Commission objecting to the scheme.

While the plan to buy costly gadgets has raised eyebrows, the proposal to have a separate social media wing, independent of the existing Press Information Bureau (PIB), has been seen by many as an attempt to rehabilitate more officials and bureaucrats.

"The magnitude of procurement of such items is questionable," the commission's note to the finance ministry said.

In a stinging remark, the plan panel said, "Efforts need to be made for cost effective implementation of the scheme. Savings accrued on this account may lead to funding other prioritized schemes and projects."

I&B ministry was allocated Rs 22.50 crore for the 12th five year plan for the social media cell. The fund came by cutting down the budget of the ministry's scheme to increase outreach of the UPA government's achievements in the rural hinterland.

The recent civil society upsurge on issues such as corruption and the brutal rape in Delhi forced the UPA government to rethink its publicity strategy. As social media played a key role in mobilizing people, mainly youth, during these agitations, UPA managers decided to penetrate the online medium to counter the government bashing and push positive publicity.

The move to set up a separate wing has surprised many as PIB is better-equipped to handle social media and different ministries have their own social media cells. Prime Minister's Office and the Planning Commission also monitor social media.

The commission also questioned why the I&B ministry was pushing a dedicated wing when most ministries had their own social media cells.

The panel has conducted different social media events in the last three months including Google Hangout and Hackathon. Roads ministry, HRD ministry and science and technology ministry have also done several social media events costing lakhs of rupees.

The I&B ministry's attempt to have special social media wing left many surprised as the ministry does not monitor the schemes and does not have database to showcase UPA achievements on social media.

The plan panel also shot down I&B ministry's proposal to establish a think tank as an independent agency under the Societies Registration Act. The panel said a better option would be to set up a separate centre in existing think tanks instead of setting up a new one.


The Times of India, 17 June, 2013, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IB-ministrys-plan-to-have-separate-social-media-cell-faces-hurdle/articleshow/20623899.cms


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