Functions of the Department

Activities/Functions of the District Information Offices
         
The department functions mainly through thirteen sections, district information offices and Kerala Information Centre, New Delhi. The sections are
(1) Scrutiny to watch reactions and provide feed back on people's and press reactions reflected in the newspapers;
(2) Planning and Development to highlight the achievements and to organize radio and TV programmes. Also provide special features for Editorial section for publishing necessary publicity materials, production of video films and digital archiving, Production and monitoring of 'Sutharyakeralam' programme for Doordarshan and content development for the official website of Govt. of Kerala www.kerala.gov.in and official web site of Information and Public Relations Department www.prd.kerala.gov.in
(3) Cultural Development is to arrange and manage cultural programmes including cultural exchange programmes;
(4) Press Release which feeds the printing and electronic media through its daily press release, photos and features and also summary of news agency,
(5) Editorial works in two sections viz. Malayalam and English publication. In addition to Janapadham (Malayalam) and Kerala Calling (English) monthlies, booklets and leaflets in both languages are also published,
(6) Field publicity and Exhibitions employ a variety of strategies including films, oral and other methods for interacting with the public,
(7) Advertisement which deals with advertisements of all departments of the Government. Prepare and release special display advertisements on certain occasions,
(8) Special campaign wing which takes up special campaigns according to necessity and prepares mailing lists and dispatches publicity materials,
(9) Research and Reference deals with the registration of periodicals and books as per PRB Act. Has a Reference Library and an Information centre. Supervise the modernisation activities, DTP, Computer and FAX installed in the department. Entrusted with the task of the functions of district information centres and extend facilities of GISTNIC information system to the public. Provides PSC rank lists, University examination results, entrance examination results and other rank lists and makes available examination results of UPSC, Delhi University examination and admission lists to the public. Also prepares certain reference books if necessary,
(10) Photographic unit provides news and other photos to the press and TV. Have a good collection of old and rare photos on various subjects and personalities. Prepare colour and B/W prints for exhibition organized by the department and for other departments.
(11) Official language chalks out activities for implementing official language, Malayalam in all the State Government Departments. Convenes meetings of district level committees and co-ordinates all functions connected with this subject.
(12) Feature Editor : Production of monthly news letter Kerala Interface(English) and compilation of Handbooks
(13) Printing and reprinting : Production of monthly news letter Vikasana samanwayam (Malayalam), Monitoring of printing and reprinting works


Sutharya Keralam
The much discussed interaction programme of the Government called ‘Sutharya Keralam’ will be started from this month.. Any individual from anywhere in the State could communicate with the Chief Minister and set forth their problems and grievances with the aid of modern technology. The Chief Minister directly answers the calls every week.

Video Production
The Information and Public Relations Department has now a non-linear edit suit. All basic infrastructure facilities are available for them. News clippings are made and edited by this unit. They also develop documentaries and serials intended to build up the cultural heritage of Kerala. 50 profile series of prominent personalities has been completed. Janapatham, a new teleserial would soon be telecasted. Digital video archives encompassing art, culture, history, profile, economy and lifestyle are also maintained.