Maharashtra chief secretary Sujata Saunik is serious about curbing misleading news reports in media that may dent the image of state government.
She has made it mandatory for IAS officers to ensure prompt response to “non-factual” or “misleading” news reports about the state government.
She has made it a part of their annual Key Result Areas (KRA) for effective implementation.
A government resolution (GR), 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.
“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,” the GR reads.
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