The Press Information Bureau has sought an urgent raise in the cap on the number of journalists it can entertain at official receptions and briefings, and the amount it can spend per head at such interactions from Rs.130 now. Constraining PIB are the Rules for Operating the Hospitality Grant of 1995 that restrict the number of journalists and place the spending limit.
The norms lay down that PIB official receptions and luncheons are limited to 100 and 70 invitees, respectively, though the number of journalists tracking central ministries has gone up multiple times in the last 20 years. There are around 2,300 accredited journalists now, an official pointed out.
Since 2010, the PIB has been seeking an urgent hike in the cap on attendees but to no avail. “Can we turn away the 71st journalist from an event or refuse him/her food? Would that keep the media in good humour,” asked a senior official.
The PIB wants the number of guests allowed at luncheons be raised to 150, while keeping the cap at 200 for receptions —with expenses limited to Rs. 1,000 per head. On important events, the number of invitees should be pegged at 350, the Bureau has mooted.
Incidentally, it has proposed doing away with a ‘smokes allowance’ of Rs. 30 per head, used earlier to buy cigarettes for journalists. The Bureau has also sought an increase in the outlay for interactions with journalists from the present Rs. 20 lakh per year to Rs. 50 lakh. PIB officials point out that the information machinery in some States gets more funds. Smaller States like Punjab and Haryana have a budget of Rs. 40 lakh and Rs. 55 lakh respectively to ‘entertain’ journalists.
Officials point out that the Ministry of External Affairs is not constrained by these restrictions. Officials say with the media explosion, there is a greater need for meaningful dissemination of the government’s actions. A note prepared by officials says, “…These occasions are an opportunity for informal briefings. Besides editors and senior correspondents, they are attended by select senior officials and ministers.”
While the government has actively used social media to amplify its message, its ability to influence the front pages may depend on the ability of its information officers to reach out to news-breakers. Time for something more than just chai for a charcha ?
