Minister for Information, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali launched the news portal and mobile application of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) here today . The web portal shall disseminate information to the readers on a real time basis hosting information in three languages – Urdu, Hindi and English besides photo and videos gallery of important official events and programmes. “In this modern era, web portal and mobile app are a step towards technological advancement in information and development journalism,” the Minister said. “It will strike a better connect between government and people and will cater to a wider audience thereby giving an increased coverage,” he added.The web portal is available on www.jkinfonews.com and mobile application can be downloaded from Google play store as ‘jkinfo news’.
Earlier, the Minister also convened a high level meeting of officers of Information Department to review the functioning of the department in Jammu province.Secretary Information, M H Malik, Director Information, Muneer-ul-Islam, Additional Secretary Information, R K Katoch, Joint Director Information Jammu, Manisha Sarin, Deputy Director (HQ), Priyanka Bhat, Deputy Director (PR), Avleen Kour, Information Officers, District Information Officers from Jammu division and other officers of the department were present in the meeting.Zulfkar Ali while speaking at the meeting reiterated the commitment for revitalizing and diversifying the activities of the Information Department. He urged upon the officers to fully utilize their potential and pro actively perform multifaceted functions of news dissemination, organizing awareness generation programmes and publicizing developmental success stories.He said that stress should be laid on highlighting the developmental aspects of the districts besides focusing on the historical places and routes, cultural heritage, art, culture and place of tourist and pilgrim importance.The Minister informed that the department has taken a series of steps for enhancing efficiency of various processes, including the recently notified Accreditation Rules, empanelment of 99 newspapers, periodicals and magazines.
Chowdhary Zulfkar directed revival of departmental publications to showcase the achievements of government, developmental projects, welfare schemes, and tourist destinations besides projecting various strengths of both rural and urban areas with heritage, cultural, spiritual and wildlife linkages.The Minister said that the department will also explore the possibilities of publishing the speeches, debates and discussions of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council for different sessions including demand for grants, motions and resolutions so as to come out with session wise booklets for proper dissemination and record keeping of information.He impressed upon the officers to organize photo exhibitions on various themes showcasing government’s achievements registered on diverse fronts and undertake production of documentary programmes on developmental infrastructure and welfare schemes in addition to organizing cultural events to raise awareness on social, political and economic advancements.Directing for the reorganization of the Department, he said the Department needs to utilize all its resources so that work is carried out effectively. He also asked administrative department to prepare a comprehensive proposal for augmenting much needed infrastructure in information centers across the State districts.