New Delhi, July 1, 2026: Shri 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, at its headquarters in New Delhi.
Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Sudhansh Pant, along with Joint Secretary Ms. Monika P. Dhakate, Director Narendra Vashishta, and other senior officers, welcomed Shri Tariq Rather to the Ministry.
During a special meeting, the Secretary emphasized the need for the Ministry’s Media Division to pursue a robust, effective, and result-oriented Media Action Plan aimed at reaching the masses with the Central Government’s welfare schemes, programmes, initiatives, and policies through print, electronic, traditional, social, and digital media platforms.
Shri Tariq Rather has joined the Ministry following his transfer under an order issued by the Ministry of Information & 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 nearly 20-month tenure at Akashvani Srinagar, Shri Rather introduced several key reforms aligned with modern broadcasting standards and public service objectives. Among the notable initiatives was the launch of an additional 10-minute daily Urdu News Bulletin, broadcast at 3:50 PM, significantly enhancing the unit’s news output.
He also worked towards fostering a culture of professionalism, transparency, fairness, and accountability within the Regional News Unit, creating an environment that enabled staff across all categories to grow, excel, and contribute more effectively to public service broadcasting. In addition, he facilitated the establishment of several key infrastructural and operational facilities that improved the overall efficiency and ease of functioning of the News Section.
Over the course of his career, Shri Tariq Rather has served in various organisations under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Central Bureau of Communication (formerly Directorate of Field Publicity), Akashvani & Doordarshan Kendra, both within and outside Jammu & Kashmir. He has also participated in several prestigious national and international assignments, including media coverage of high-profile VVIP visits abroad, earning recognition for his professional contributions to government communication and public information dissemination.
