New Delhi, August 19, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu interacted with Officer Trainees of the Indian Information Service (IIS) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS), emphasising the importance of citizen-centric communication, responsible use of social media and greater accessibility of official statistics.
The officer trainees called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of their training and professional engagement. During the interaction, President Murmu highlighted the important role that information and statistics play in strengthening communication between the government and citizens.
President Murmu Emphasises Citizen-Centric Communication
Addressing the Indian Information Service officer trainees, President Murmu stressed that social media platforms should not be viewed merely as channels for broadcasting information.
She urged information officers to use social media not only to inform and engage people but also to listen, understand and respond to their concerns.
The President’s message underlines the changing nature of public communication in the digital era, where citizens increasingly use online platforms to seek information, raise concerns and interact with institutions.
For government communication professionals, this means moving beyond one-way dissemination and developing a more responsive and interactive approach to public outreach.
Social Media Can Strengthen Public Engagement
Digital platforms have significantly changed the way government information reaches citizens. Information can now be communicated quickly through multiple platforms, allowing people to access updates, schemes, policies and public-service information in real time.
President Murmu’s emphasis on listening and responding highlights the need for communication officers to understand the concerns and expectations expressed by citizens online.
A responsive digital communication system can help bridge the gap between institutions and the public while making government communication more accessible and relevant.
President Calls for More Accessible Statistics
Speaking to the Indian Statistical Service officer trainees, President Murmu emphasised the importance of making statistics more accessible to citizens, researchers and policy-makers.
Official statistics play an important role in understanding India’s social and economic landscape. Data helps governments design policies, researchers conduct studies and citizens understand developments affecting their lives.
However, statistical information can often be technical or difficult for the general public to interpret. Making data easier to understand and access can therefore help strengthen public awareness and encourage evidence-based discussions.
Statistics as a Tool for Better Policy-Making
The availability of reliable and accessible data is critical for effective governance. Policy-makers depend on statistical information to assess existing programmes, identify emerging challenges and make informed decisions.
Researchers also require credible datasets to analyse trends and develop evidence-based recommendations.
By encouraging statistical officers to make data more accessible, President Murmu highlighted the importance of ensuring that official statistics reach beyond government institutions and specialist users.
Clear presentation, easy access and effective dissemination can help transform statistical information into knowledge that benefits a wider section of society.
Role of Indian Information Service Officers
Indian Information Service officers have an important responsibility in communicating government policies, programmes and public-interest information to citizens.
With the rapid expansion of digital media, their role is increasingly connected with online communication, public engagement and combating misinformation through credible and verified information.
President Murmu’s guidance places emphasis on a communication model that is accurate, accessible, responsive and citizen-focused.
For information officers, understanding public concerns can be as important as disseminating official information.
Role of Indian Statistical Service Officers
The Indian Statistical Service provides specialised expertise in the collection, analysis and interpretation of statistical information for public administration and policy-making.
The President’s message to ISS trainees highlights the need to ensure that statistical knowledge is not confined to technical reports and specialist institutions.
Making data understandable and accessible can help researchers, policy-makers and ordinary citizens better appreciate the evidence behind public policies and national development.
Strengthening the Link Between Government and Citizens
The interaction with the officer trainees comes at a time when digital communication and data-driven governance are becoming increasingly important.
Social media provides government institutions with a direct channel to communicate with citizens, while official statistics provide the evidence required to understand social and economic realities.
Together, effective communication and accessible data can contribute to greater transparency, informed public participation and evidence-based governance.
President Murmu’s message to the two groups of officer trainees therefore reflects a broader vision of citizen-centric governance, where information is not simply delivered to people but is also shaped by listening to their concerns and making knowledge easier to access.
Conclusion
President Droupadi Murmu’s interaction with the Indian Information Service and Indian Statistical Service officer trainees highlighted two key aspects of modern public administration—responsive communication and accessible data.
Her message to information officers to listen, understand and respond to citizens’ concerns reinforces the importance of two-way communication in the digital age. At the same time, her call to make statistics more accessible underlines the role of reliable and understandable data in research, policy-making and public awareness.
As India continues to expand its digital public infrastructure and data-driven governance systems, the role of trained information and statistical professionals will remain crucial in building a more informed, transparent and citizen-focused administration.
