Reviewing the popularity of social media, one of the best platforms for communication, the Union Cabinet has given its nod to set up a new social media wing in the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B). The task of the wing will be promoting the government’s initiatives, schemes and programmes through social media sites.

The ministry has allocated Rs 22.50 crore from its plan fund for the wing. The ministry has already been campaigning its Bharat Nirman and other government’s programmes on youtube, facebook and twitter on a pilot basis.

The other ministries that do not have a robust system of social media like PMO and MEA can use the social media wing set up by the I&B ministry to promote their work.

The new media wing “Bureau of New and Concurrent Media” would be headed by a senior officer of joint secretary rank with the administrative and operational support provided by a media unit under the ministry — the research reference & training division.