ECI hosts conference for 350 media officers from across India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) conducted a one-day conference on June 12, 2026, for Media and Communication Officers in New Delhi. The event brought together over 350 officers, including Media Nodal Officers (MNOs), Social Media Nodal Officers (SMNOs), and District Media Nodal Officers from all 36 states and union territories. Participants also included officers from poll-bound states and those undergoing Phase-III of Special Intensive Revision.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the gathering. Shri Kumar highlighted the unprecedented public participation in the recently concluded elections in five states, emphasizing the importance of clear, factual, and timely communication. Dr. Sandhu urged officers to focus on the impact of their communication rather than just the input, while Dr. Joshi stressed the need for simplifying rules and guidelines for public understanding.

The conference featured sessions on communication strategies across the election cycle, including ECINET, constitutional provisions, laws, and recent Supreme Court orders. Practical workshops covered press note planning, combating misinformation, engaging young voters through Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs), and amplifying ECI initiatives via media and social platforms.

Officers from states that recently held elections shared their experiences and best practices. The event concluded with a Q&A session chaired by Shri Gyanesh Kumar, allowing participants to interact directly with the Commission.

This initiative underscores ECI's commitment to enhancing communication and transparency in electoral processes, ensuring public trust and participation in democracy.

Source: Press Information Bureau (Govt. of India) press release, 12 JUN 2026. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2272344