The first public sector institution to employ public relations practices in India was:
(A) Indian Railways
(B) Bharath Electronics Limited
(C) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(D) Bharath Heavy Electricals Limited
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
Indian Railways holds the distinction of being the first public sector institution in India to implement public relations (PR) practices. This step reflected an early recognition of the power of communication in managing public perception, resolving grievances, and building trust between the government and citizens.
With its vast network and diverse user base, Indian Railways faced the unique challenge of maintaining smooth communication across linguistic, cultural, and geographic boundaries. PR helped in managing these interactions effectively. The primary goals were to disseminate vital information, promote new services, and address public concerns proactively.
Initially, PR in Indian Railways was limited to press releases and announcements. However, it gradually evolved into a more structured communication strategy. This included organizing press conferences, handling crisis communication, and launching public campaigns about safety and punctuality.
Indian Railways also used PR to humanize its massive system. Highlighting employee stories, infrastructure developments, and public service efforts built goodwill among the masses. This not only improved its public image but also fostered transparency and accountability.
The success of Indian Railways’ PR initiatives paved the way for other public sector enterprises like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to follow suit. They adopted similar approaches, influenced by the results seen in Indian Railways.
Thus, Indian Railways played a crucial role in shaping public sector communication strategy in post-independence India, establishing itself as a pioneer in using public relations for effective governance.
