Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government’s communication strategy is placing greater emphasis on digital media, timely information dissemination and public outreach, with Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Rajat Bansal overseeing the state’s Public Relations Department.
A 2012-batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, Bansal was assigned charge as Commissioner of Public Relations in March 2026, alongside his appointment as Special Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. His responsibilities also include the leadership of Samvad, the state government’s communication agency.
The department plays a key role in communicating government decisions, public welfare programmes and development initiatives to citizens. Its work involves coordinating with district-level public relations offices, engaging with media organisations and using digital platforms to disseminate official information.
Rajat Bansal Emphasises New-Age Media Skills
At a meeting with officials of the Directorate of Public Relations and district public relations offices on April 24, 2026, Bansal stressed the need for officers to become proficient in different forms of new-age media.
The meeting, held at the Samvad office in Nava Raipur, focused on adapting public communication to changing technologies and media consumption patterns.
According to the state Public Relations Department, Bansal underlined that adopting new communication tools and technological developments was essential to effective public relations.
He also emphasised accountability, stating that the performance of officials would be assessed against results. The department reported that he directed disciplinary action against officials in three districts over alleged negligence in publicity-related work.
The directions highlighted two priorities for the department:
- Digital communication: Building the capacity of public relations officers to use emerging media platforms and communication technologies.
- Administrative accountability: Assessing publicity work on the basis of outcomes and addressing lapses in implementation.
Public Relations Department’s Role in Government Outreach
The Public Relations Department serves as a link between the state administration, media organisations and citizens. It disseminates information about government policies, official decisions, welfare programmes and development projects.
Its responsibilities extend across the state through the Directorate of Public Relations and district-level offices.
Key functions include:
- Disseminating verified information about government decisions and initiatives.
- Coordinating communication between state departments and district administrations.
- Providing media organisations with official updates and information.
- Using digital platforms to reach wider audiences.
- Increasing public awareness of government schemes and services.
Effective communication also requires information to be clear, accessible and timely, particularly when citizens need to understand eligibility conditions, application procedures or the benefits available under public welfare programmes.
Bansal Brings Experience Across Urban Development and Administration
Before taking charge of public relations, Bansal held several administrative assignments in Chhattisgarh, including responsibilities associated with urban governance, district administration and employment-related programmes.
His earlier positions included Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Raipur Smart City and Commissioner of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the state.
His administrative career has also included assignments as Assistant Collector in Raigarh, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Chief Executive Officer of district panchayats, Raipur Municipal Corporation Commissioner, and district collector in different parts of Chhattisgarh.
These assignments covered areas such as municipal administration, rural employment, district-level governance and public service delivery.
In March 2026, the state government assigned him additional responsibilities alongside the Public Relations Department, including the position of Chief Executive Officer of Samvad and roles associated with geology and mining and the Chhattisgarh State Mineral Development Corporation.
Rajat Bansal’s Education and Language Proficiency
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science from BITS Pilani. Rajat is also proficient in both English and Hindi.
Communication and Accountability in Chhattisgarh’s Development Agenda
Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government has continued to communicate its policies, development programmes and welfare initiatives through official channels.
The Public Relations Department is responsible for ensuring that information about these initiatives reaches citizens across urban and rural areas. Digital platforms and district-level communication networks provide channels for disseminating updates beyond traditional media.
Bansal’s emphasis on new-age media skills and performance-based accountability reflects the administrative priorities outlined at the department’s April meeting. As communication channels continue to evolve, the department’s challenge will be to combine technological adoption with reliable information and effective public access to government services.
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