Prompt response to ‘misleading’ news part of annual KRAs of IAS officers
A senior IAS official said while they personally agree that citizens should be informed about factual data and info, it may not be in the control of administrative heads to control the spread of the news.
In March 2025, the Maharashtra government had issued guidelines ordering to provide response to newspapers on “non-factual or misleading news” within 12 hours and to electronic media within two hours. (Credit: Pixabay) IAS officers in Maharashtra will now have to ensure that prompt response is provided to “non-factual” or “misleading” news reports about the state government, as the same has been included in their annual Key Result Areas (KRA).
A government resolution (GR) issued on Thursday, signed by Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, has now directed the drafting of a response to such news directly under the supervision of administrative heads of the departments, who are IAS officials at positions such as additional chief secretary, principal secretary or secretary.
In March 2025, the Maharashtra government had issued guidelines ordering to provide response to newspapers on “non-factual or misleading news” within 12 hours and to electronic media within two hours.
However, the GR noted that state government departments are still not alert on providing response on the non-factual or misleading news reports.
While all departments have been asked to remain alert to ensure that the government response is sent across the media, these actions will now be part of the annual KRA of the IAS officials concerned.
“The action to be taken as informed will now be a part of the KRA of Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and Secretary. Providing immediate explanation and communicating government’s official position to the citizens within a stipulated time will be an important part of the annual functioning of the officials,” said the GR.
According to a senior IAS official, the new task assigned has two sides to it.
“While I personally agree that the citizens should be informed about factual data and info, it may not be in the control of administrative heads to control the spread of the news. We will ensure to act as per the GR, but we cannot be held responsible if the replies are not given wider publicity by media houses,” the officer added.
Another IAS officer said that the Maharashtra government has a dedicated department for this work.
“Since it has been directed, we will ensure that we provide information to the DGIPR (Directorate General of Information and Public Relations) at the earliest,” he said.
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