U.P. to hire PR firm for image makeover

Now, a public relations (PR) firm will be entrusted with the responsibility of handling the publicity of development and public-oriented programmes as the Samajwadi Party government goes for an image makeover before the next Assembly elections in 2017.

The issue figured in the Cabinet meeting presided over by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Friday.

At present, the publicity of the government’s programmes and achievements is handled by the Information and Public Relations Department.

Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan said the documents related to Expression of Interest and Request for Qualification would be first finalised and thereafter it would be advertised. He denied that a particular PR agency has been finalised for taking up the responsibility.

Principal Secretary (Information and Public Relations) Navneet Sehgal added that a professional agency would be hired to assist the Information Department as there are many development programmes which needed proper publicity. “The agency would be hired for professional assistance”, Mr.Sehgal said.

Nod for electronics manufacturing policy

The Electronics Manufacturing Policy, 2014, was also approved for promoting investment. “The Industrial Development Policy and Information Technology Policy have already been announced , it has now been decided to formulate a Electronics Manufacturing Policy,” the Chief Secretary told journalists.

Mr. Ranjan said the Cabinet decision followed several representations from electronic manufacturing associations expressing their desire to invest in the State.

Under the new policy, three clusters for setting up electronic manufacturing units would be identified and capital subsidy at a rate of 15 per cent on an investment limit of Rs. 5 crore or more would be provided.

This apart, the units would be entitled for interest subsidy at the rate of five per cent per year up to a period of seven years, as well as exemption from stamp duty.