Two days training programme of District Public Relations Officers, Assistant Public Relations Officers and Sub-Editors of Department of Information and Public Relations started here today at Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), Fairlawns.Principal Director General of Press Information Bureau Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia while speaking on the on role and importance of content gathering, research and feedback in Public Relations, said that Public Relations play an important role between Government, Media and Public for the better implementation of various welfare schemes and initiatives of government. Public Relations was instrumental in publicising government's vision and approach towards people. He detailed about the utilization of all media mediums in this modern technological world. He emphasised the need to educate and train Public Relation officers to prepare them to handle any situation efficiently. He also focused on the importance of public feedback in improving the functioning of government schemes and programmes.
While speaking on official communication in the second session of the day, Kuldeep Singh Dhatwalia said that Public Relations department plays the role of facilitator and communicator for the government in dissemination of vital information and news to public through media. He said that the approach of the Public Relations officers should be people-centric, informative and educative. On Crisis communication, he said that crisis situations should be handled with precision and wisdom. No facts should be concealed from media as to create healthy relationships with media professionals and the media should be provided accurate information.Deputy Director (Retired) Information and Public Relations Teju Sharma enlightened Public Relations officers on stage conduction and public speaking. He said that Public Relations officers need to be very alert and proficient while delivering important information on the stage in front of public. Sometimes, one has to improvise quickly in manner to avoid embarrassment as a part of last minute change in schedule. He also detailed about the liaisoning with VIPs and media in order to be a successful Public Relations professional.An interactive session was also held on the occasion in which officers participated.Earlier, Director Information and Public Relations Harbans Singh Brascon welcomed the guest faculty. He said that this training programme will be very useful for the officers of the department. He said that more such programmes will be organised to enhance the capacity building of the Public Relations officers in future.Senior Journalist Ashwani Sharma, Joint Director HIPA Jyoti Rana, Assistant Professor and Course Coordinator Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Joint Director IPR (Administration) Sanjay Sharma, Joint Director (Press) Pradeep Kanwar and other senior officers of the department were also present on the occasion.