PIB-CBC Northeast Zonal Conference kicks off in Shillong, focus on digital outreach and localised communication

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 25, 2025

The 2nd Annual North East Zonal Conference of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, began in Shillong on Monday. The two-day event aims to strengthen capacity, foster synergy among field units, and ensure that government communication in the Northeast is more impactful, technology-driven, and locally relevant.

The conference saw participation from officials across all northeastern states, including Directors, Field Publicity Officers, Field Publicity Assistants, and administrative staff, making it a key regional platform for exchange of ideas and best practices.

Opening the programme, Kripa Shankar Yadav, Additional Director General, NE Zone, highlighted the importance of regional conferences for capacity building, streamlining processes, and improving outreach effectiveness.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Smt. Kanchan Prasad, DG, CBC, stressed the growing role of the Northeast in India’s communication framework. She underlined the urgency for government communication to adapt to digital media trends, optimise resources, and plan area-specific campaigns in coordination with state agencies. She assured participants that CBC Headquarters would extend full support to address challenges and enhance field capacity.

The first day featured technical sessions with presentations by the Regional Offices of Guwahati and Imphal on ongoing activities and plans. Field offices also discussed challenges and possible solutions. Harshit Narang, Deputy Director, CBC (HQ), presented on leveraging digital media platforms such as YouTube, Google Display Network, Facebook, Instagram, X, OTT channels, and emerging platforms for more precise, measurable, and youth-oriented outreach.

Sessions also covered administrative and accounts-related issues, followed by hands-on training on the CBC Outreach Portal to assist participants in campaign planning and reporting. The day ended with a cultural performance by the Song & Drama Division troupe.

On Day 2, the conference will feature a presentation on Best Practices from PIB NE Zone, inputs from branch offices across the region, and sessions on expanding social media outreach, promoting Hindi usage, best practices in PFMS and accounting, GeM training, and planning of Swachhta activities.