Don’t talk to media, new Pb varsity DPR instructs officials

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 18

Panjab University on May 10 appointed Renuka Salwan as Director Public Relations (DPR). Among her first few initiatives is a virtual gag order of the officials wherein she has asked them to not speak to members of the media directly. The fact came to light after a high ranking official directly mentioned about it a few days ago.

For the last few days, it was observed that officials, including the Registrar were not taking calls of the media persons. They were instead suggesting that all queries be routed through the Director Public Relations. While talking to the Chandigarh Tribune today, Salwan said, “It is a basic part of my job to ensure that all communication happens through a proper channel.”

Salwan said she had spoken to the Registrar about the same. When inquired, Registrar GS Chadha retorted sharply, “Registrar does not work under the Director Public Relations, please brush up your knowledge about the Panjab University’s hierarchy.” However, with this new working style, the hierarchy of the Panjab University seems to be in for a change.

PRCI Chandigarh Chapter’s chairperson Salwan had recently retired from the post of Director Public Relations of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) at New Delhi. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Director Public Relations with the BIS, northern regional office in Chandigarh. Salwan was employed after former PRO Vineet Punia took a three-year sabbatical.