Programmes /Schemes


Exhibition and Field Publicity
Exhibition at national, state and district levels are arranged. Exhibitions in the rural areas are also conducted. Multi Media campaigns were launched for creating awareness on 'Decentralized Planning', 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and national integration and communal harmony. Organises Kerala pavilion at IITF, New Delhi, Launches intensive campaigns on special occasions. An open air theatre 'RANGASALA' is functioning in Thiruvananthapuram Museum garden for arranging daily film shows and other cultural programmes for children.

Cultural Affairs
The Department arranges cultural programmes on special occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Onam Week. Arranges cultural festivals in Andaman Islands, Pondicherry, Goa, New Delhi, Bharatotsav and also participates in the Apna Utsav at Bombay, Kulu-Dasara festival at Himachal Pradesh and Mahakumba mela at Allahabad. All India Drama Festival and Music Festival are also organized. Tagore Theatre equipped with 35mm projector is also under this wing. The theatre is let out to the film societies and other cultural organizations.

Information Offices
The officers in charge of these centres cover all the Government functions and provide district level field publicity, exhibition, special campaign and also prepare feedback report of their respective districts and send it to the directorate. It provides accreditation facilities to media persons. Conducts press tours and co-ordinates all media activities of the Government Departments.

Information Centres
In addition to the Information Centre attached to the Research and Reference Section the department has information centres in nine districts. These centres provide information on exclusive topics. There are nine information centres linked with District Information Offices and another one is in New Delhi.

Research and Reference
The Department provides facilities for reference on various topics. It has a reference library with a good number of books from the State and the Central Government. Purchases books for R &R use and for the District Information Offices and Kerala Information Centre in New Delhi.
The Scrutiny wing is entrusted with the feedback activities. Daily press summary is prepared and sent to all Ministers, Department Heads, Chief Secretary and Governor's Office. Compiles fortnightly report on people's reaction collected from the districts and forwarded to the Government.

Publications
Two monthly publications - one in Malayalam, Janapatham, and the other in English, Kerala Calling, are being published by the Department. Annual subscription of these publications is Rs. 30 for each. The department publish two news letters 'Samanwayam' in Malayalam and 'Interface' in English.

Kerala Press Academy
A Press Academy, the first of its kind in the country was started in 1979 with headquarters at Kochi. Sponsored by the State Government the Academy aims to foster and co-ordinate activities in the sphere of journalism. The Academy has taken up schemes to organise seminars, workshops and training courses, publish books on journalism and also established a library with research facilities. The Academy now conducts full time as well as part-time courses in journalism.

Journalists Pension
As a model for all states Kerala has already introduced journalist pension schemes. Pension has also been given to eminent journalists in the State.
Awards were constituted for best photography, general reporting and development reporting.

Co-ordination
The Director at the State level, the Deputy Directors at the regional level and the Information Officer based in New Delhi co-ordinate the various activities of the Department with the Central and State Government Departments. Director of Public Relations is also the P.R. Officer of the Governor of Kerala and member Secretary in State Film, TV and Drama Awards judging committees. The Director or other officer, he deputes attends the State Cabinet briefing.

> Journalist Pension Scheme


> Non Journalist Pension Scheme

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.

Maintenance of Government web portal
The official web portal of Kerala Government www.kerala.gov.in has achieved immense popularity by now. The latest hit report of the web portal is as high as 3,31,15,399 (as on February 28, 2005). This department manages the coordination required for developing content for the web portal.