Maharashtra to appoint 30 PROs to act as ‘link’ between state and media

This decision comes despite a dedicated publicity department of the state.

In a decision that could become fodder for the Opposition, the state government has decided to appoint 30 public relations officers for its ministers’ offices.

The Maharashtra government has decided to appoint 30 PROs for its ministers’ offices. (HT File)

This decision comes despite a dedicated publicity department of the state. As per the government resolution (GR) issued by the general administrative department (GAD) on Thursday, the public relation officers for 30 departments will serve as a “link” between minister’s office, administrative department and directorate general of information and public relations. Chief secretary Sumit Mullick said it was done for “better coordination between media and the ministers.”

The state is going to spend Rs90 lakh per year on the PROs. They will be paid a monthly honorarium of Rs25,000 and will be in office for a “two-year period or till the Cabinet is dissolved”.