Home Ministry gets new Twitter handle

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday got a new Twitter handle — @HMOIndia.

The new Twitter handle was launched by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday and the number of followers crossed 7,000 within a day.

“Welcome to the official Twitter account of India’s Home Minister,” was the message written in Hindi on the account that also had previous 36 tweets from Mr. Singh’s personal account.

भारत के गृहमंत्री कार्यालय के अधिकारिक ‘ट्विटर अकाउंट’ >@HMOIndia में आप सभी का स्वागत है।

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) >June 19, 2014

The Twitter account was done in conformity with drive to ensure transparent and responsive government. “The Twitter handle of the Ministry will let the people know about the important developments taking place,” Mr. Singh was quoted as saying in an official release.

The move comes in the wake of reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked all the Ministers to open Twitter accounts and create Facebook pages.

The Ministers have been asked to put various policy initiatives and decisions related to governance in the public domain and encourage more discussions on government policies, seek feedback and suggestions from the general public.