New Delhi: The coveted post of Press Secretary to the President of India has returned to the Indian Information Services (IIS) cadre after more than a decade.
On September 25, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising Union Home Minister Amit Shah, approved the appointment of Manisha Verma, a 1995-batch IIS officer, as Press Secretary to President Droupadi Murmu.
Ms Verma succeeds Ajay Singh, who served under both President Ram Nath Kovind and briefly under President Murmu. His extended tenure ended on September 26, prompting a new appointment.
Veteran Communicator with 12 Years at Ministry of Health
Manisha Verma, 55, is a seasoned information officer who most recently served as the media interface at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for over a decade, including during the critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her appointment underscores a strategic return to experienced, career communication professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
She officially assumed charge on September 27, bringing a wealth of experience in public communication, media strategy, and government outreach.
IIS Officers Return to Rashtrapati Bhavan After 13 Years
This appointment is seen as a return to tradition, last witnessed during President APJ Abdul Kalam’s tenure, when SM Khan, another IIS officer, served as Press Secretary. However, in the years that followed, the trend leaned towards Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers or even private individuals.
- S. Jaishankar, now India’s Foreign Minister, had served as Press Secretary and speechwriter to President Shankar Dayal Sharma.
- Under President Pranab Mukherjee, IFS officer Venu Rajamony was appointed as Press Secretary.
- Ajay Singh, a journalist by profession, was the most recent occupant of the role.
Although not officially designated Press Secretary, Archana Datta, another senior IIS officer, served as Officer on Special Duty (Public Relations) to President Pratibha Patil between 2007 and 2012. Her tenure is considered another key example of IIS presence in Rashtrapati Bhavan communications.
Ms Verma’s appointment therefore marks a shift back to the IIS cadre, restoring a legacy of structured communication within the President’s Secretariat.
Women in Leadership: A Milestone Appointment
Ms Verma’s elevation is also a notable moment for women in Indian bureaucracy, showcasing their growing leadership in media and policy communication roles. She is among a small group of women to have ever held such a prestigious position in the Indian Republic’s apex constitutional office.
What Does the President’s Press Secretary Do?
The Press Secretary to the President plays a crucial role in managing the communication bridge between Rashtrapati Bhavan and the public/media. Key responsibilities include:
- Issuing official statements, policies, and announcements.
- Coordinating press conferences and media interactions.
- Responding to media queries on behalf of the President’s Secretariat.
- Managing event publicity, including national and international engagements of the President.
A Strategic Move in Nation’s Communication Approach
In an era of real-time news cycles and digital outreach, IIS Manisha Verma’s appointment is seen as a strategic step to bolster Rashtrapati Bhavan’s communication apparatus. Her long tenure in health communication is expected to contribute to a modern, transparent, and efficient public interface for the President’s office.
