The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) today conferred its first-ever postgraduate degrees on IIS Officer Trainees in New Delhi, marking a historic milestone as a deemed University. The Officer Trainees were awarded the MA in Public Communication and Governance on successful completion of the prescribed academic and professional requirements.

Speaking at the valedictory function, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Chanchal Kumar said that public communication is an integral part of governance and must evolve with changing technologies and platforms. He noted that officers must remain aware of emerging technologies, with AI becoming a gamechanger, even as misinformation, deepfakes, and synthetically generated content pose new challenges. Mr Kumar emphasised that communication must be a two-way process, with citizen feedback helping improve policies and their implementation. He said that while speed is important, accuracy and credibility remain non-negotiable, as every communication carries the authority of the institution. He further stated that officers must continuously upgrade their skills, stay connected with the field, and be prepared to take up and understand other aspects of governance when entrusted with responsibilities beyond communication.

Vice Chancellor of IIMC Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur, said the officer trainees are the first recipients of this PG degree, reflecting the strengthening of IIMC’s academic role and its close relationship with professional training in communication. She said, communication is about creating understanding, not just transmitting information, and that officer trainees must approach their responsibilities with clarity, objectivity, and sensitivity.