THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The K. Kunhikrishnan Committee, constituted to recommend on modernisation of Information and Public Relations Department, has suggested the formation of a media monitoring and feedback system.

Proposed to be modelled on the `AP One' of Andhra Pradesh, the online system would use modern facilities to sent reports and comments in the media to the Chief Minister and Ministers early in the morning itself. This would facilitate early response from the Government.

The Committee also suggested in its report submitted to Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan that a full scale electronic and media division should be formed under the Department to record Government activities and make them available to television channels and Web sites. It should also have `automated archives.'

The staff strength of the Department should be increased and technical hands might be outsourced.

The Department should be declared as an essential service and its services extended to the taluk level. It should have a Director General with separate directors holding charge of public relations, cultural affairs and film.

At least half a per cent of the State's Plan funds should be set apart for the Department. The staff should be trained with the help of international agencies.

Besides, the Committee recommended that the Government should form a public service broadcasting company with an initial investment of Rs.5 crores. It should be possible to operate it as a commercially viable channel. The functioning of the Press Academy should be improved and courses diversified. A health insurance scheme should be implemented for journalists in collaboration with insurance companies.

The committee chairman said that the Department had hardly undergone any change since its formation. Timely changes were needed in its functioning. This would cost about Rs.5 crores additionally.

The members of the committee were former Director, Public Relations, Press Information Bureau K.L. Sreekrishnadas and regional editor of Asianet News S. Biju. Information Officer K. Manjokumar was the member secretary.

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