CEO issues guidelines to combat misinformation on SIR

PNS

RANCHI

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K. Ravi Kumar has directed officials to ensure widespread dissemination of accurate information related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and strengthen communication and media management efforts across the state.

Addressing a meeting of District Public Relations Officers and Deputy Election Officers, Kumar issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at enhancing public awareness regarding the revision process. He emphasized that all communication activities, including press releases and social media outreach, must strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) formally shared by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The CEO instructed officials to conduct regular press briefings and proactively share important updates related to the SIR exercise. He stressed the need to counter misinformation and rumours through timely dissemination of factual information.

Kumar also directed officials to undertake extensive media monitoring, including daily tracking of regional and national television channels. He called for the identification of misleading and fake news circulating on social media platforms and instructed authorities to issue prompt factual rebuttals wherever necessary.

Highlighting the role of digital platforms in voter awareness, the CEO announced that the Chief Electoral Officer’s Office will organise an Influencer Meet on June 27 for social media creators and digital influencers. He urged content creators across the state to participate in the programme so that information shared regarding the ongoing SIR process remains aligned with facts and guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Electoral Officer and State Media Nodal Officer Subodh Kumar briefed participants on the SOP received from the ECI and explained its provisions in detail.

State Training Nodal Officer Dev Das Dutta, Deputy Election Officer Dheeraj Kumar Thakur, and Deputy Election Officer Sanjay Kumar were present at the meeting. Deputy Election Officers, District Public Relations Officers, and District Social Media Publicity Officers from all districts also attended the programme through virtual mode.