Bhubaneswar: A five-day training programme on “Media and Communication” for officers of the Odisha Information Service (OIS) concluded successfully at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi.
The programme, conducted from June 29 to July 3, was organised for OIS officers serving as Public Relations Officers in State ministries and departments, Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) offices, district headquarters (DIPROs), and sub-divisional offices (SDIPROs). Nineteen officers from different batches participated.
The training aimed to strengthen professional competencies in media management, public relations, strategic communication, digital communication, use of artificial intelligence in media, and public outreach. Sessions were conducted by faculty members and experts from IIMC, the Press Information Bureau, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prasar Bharati, and other leading media institutions.
Former Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau, Jaideep Bhatnagar, was the Chief Guest at the valedictory ceremony. He urged officers to use effective communication as a tool of public service and contribute to the development goals of the State and the nation.
Vice-Chancellor of IIMC Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur, Head of the Centre for Executive Education Prof. (Dr.) Sunetra Sen Narayan, and Registrar L. Madhu Nag were present and interacted with participants during the programme.
Participants said the training would enhance their media management and strategic communication skills, supporting the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047. They expressed gratitude to the Government of Odisha and the Information & Public Relations Department for the opportunity.
Certificates were distributed to the participants at the conclusion of the programme. The Chief Guest and dignitaries were felicitated by the participants.
The Information & Public Relations Department stated that more OIS officers will be deputed for similar capacity-building programmes in the coming months to strengthen the State’s communication and public outreach systems.
