Raipur>> Newly appointed Public Relations Commissioner Dr. Ravi Mittal formally took charge on Monday at the Samvad office in Naya Raipur. On this occasion, Acting Commissioner and Director Shri Ajay Agrawal handed over this important responsibility to Dr. Mittal in the presence of senior department officials. During the event, senior officials welcomed him and expressed hope that under his leadership, the department would reach new heights.
Administrative Experience and Key Positions Held
Dr. Ravi Mittal is a 2016 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, known for his contributions to the administrative field. He successfully fulfilled his previous responsibilities as the Collector of Jashpur, where he made a notable impact in several public welfare initiatives. During his tenure in Jashpur, he played a significant role in the development of rural areas and the implementation of public welfare schemes.
Prior to this, Dr. Mittal served as the CEO of the Zila Panchayat in Mahasamund, Raigarh, and Raipur. While working in the Zila Panchayat, he ensured the implementation of beneficial schemes in areas such as rural development, education, health, and sanitation. In 2018, as the SDM of Bagicha, he contributed commendably to strengthening the administrative system and maintaining law and order.
Medical Education and Journey to IAS
Dr. Mittal’s career is not limited to the administrative field; his educational background is also highly impressive. Before joining the Indian Administrative Service, he earned an MBBS degree from the prestigious Maulana Azad Medical College in Delhi. During his medical studies, he understood the importance of public service, which inspired him to pursue a career in the IAS. He believes that the empathy and dedication he gained as a doctor helped him become an effective administrative officer.
Expectations and Challenges as Public Relations Commissioner
The role of the Public Relations Commissioner is crucial for any state government, as this department acts as a bridge between the public and the government. The primary task of the Public Relations Department is to inform the public about government schemes, policies, and programs. Upon assuming this position, Dr. Mittal clarified his priorities, stating that he will focus on making departmental operations more effective and public-friendly.
He emphasized that the department’s role is not only to disseminate information but also to convey public suggestions, opinions, and needs to the government. Hence, his priority is to make the department a platform where the public’s voice is heard.
Strengthening Communication Channels
In today’s digital age, communication channels have become extremely important. Speaking about this, Dr. Mittal highlighted the need for the department to establish greater engagement with the public through digital media. His objective is for the department to effectively and quickly inform the public about the state’s schemes and achievements through social media, web portals, and other digital platforms. He also mentioned that the department will extensively utilize the latest technologies to ensure swift and accurate information exchange.
Importance of Transparency and Accountability
Dr. Mittal stated that transparency and accountability are key elements for the success of any administrative department. He shared from his experience that public trust can only be earned when the administrative system is transparent and people’s concerns are taken seriously. He aims for every task in the Public Relations Department to be carried out with transparency, providing accurate and timely information to the public.
Promotion of Public Welfare Schemes
As Public Relations Commissioner, another important priority for him is to widely promote the state government’s public welfare schemes. It will be his responsibility to bring various initiatives started by the Chief Minister—related to health, education, rural development, agriculture, and women empowerment—to every village. For this purpose, he plans to organize public awareness campaigns in villages and remote areas so that rural populations can benefit from these schemes.
Introducing New Policies in the Public Relations Department
Dr. Mittal mentioned that he also aims to implement new policies in the Public Relations Department. These policies will be focused on enhancing the effectiveness of publicizing government schemes and programs. He envisions the Public Relations team as a dedicated and professional unit committed to providing accurate information to the public. For this, he plans to organize training and workshops for department staff to enhance their efficiency and enable them to communicate more effectively with the public.
Support from the Chief Minister and State Government
As Public Relations Commissioner, Dr. Mittal enjoys the full support of the Chief Minister and the state government. The government aims for the Public Relations Department to effectively promote its schemes and developmental efforts so that the public can benefit from them. The Chief Minister believes that under the leadership of an experienced officer like Dr. Mittal, the Public Relations Department will set new standards and play a vital role in the state’s development.
Role of Departmental Officials
After assuming charge, Dr. Mittal held a meeting with all senior officials of the department to learn about departmental plans. He encouraged the officials to work responsibly and dedicate their services to the public. He believes that every official’s contribution is significant, and commitment from all members is essential for building a successful team.
Future Plans
As Public Relations Commissioner, Dr. Mittal has several plans aimed at strengthening communication between the public and the government. He intends for all processes and operations within the department to be seamless and transparent, thereby increasing public trust. His goal is for the Public Relations Department to become not only an information dissemination unit but also a platform for listening to and understanding public concerns and suggestions.
Thus, it is anticipated that under Dr. Mittal’s leadership, the Public Relations Department will fulfill its role more effectively, creating a stronger connection between the state’s citizens and their government.
