Agencies | New Delhi:
Tariq Ahmed Rather, a Junior Administrative Grade (JAG), Group ‘A’ officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), has assumed charge as Director (Media & Communications) and Chief of Media & Communications in the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
Rather took charge at the Ministry’s headquarters in New Delhi, where he was welcomed by Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Sudhansh Pant, along with Joint Secretary Monika P. Dhakate, Director Narendra Vashishta, and other senior officials.
During a meeting held on the occasion, the Secretary emphasised the need for the Ministry’s Media Division to implement a robust, effective and result-oriented Media Action Plan to ensure wider dissemination of the Central Government’s welfare schemes, programmes, initiatives and policies through print, electronic, traditional, social and digital media platforms.
Rather joined the Ministry following his transfer under an order issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on June 9, 2026.
Prior to his new assignment, he served as Director (News) and Head of the Regional News Unit (RNU), Akashvani Srinagar, from November 4, 2024, to June 12, 2026.
During his tenure at Akashvani Srinagar, Rather introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening public service broadcasting and modernising news operations. These included the launch of an additional 10-minute daily Urdu News Bulletin at 3:50 pm, expanding the Regional News Unit’s daily news coverage.
He also focused on promoting professionalism, transparency, fairness and accountability within the Regional News Unit. His tenure witnessed the creation of several infrastructural and operational facilities that enhanced the efficiency and overall functioning of the News Section.
