The Rajasthan government has floated a Rs 10-crore tender to hire an agency for managing a 24×7 YouTube channel aimed at showcasing the administration’s positive achievements, officials announced.
The initiative, officials said, is designed to streamline communication and strengthen the government’s narrative during crucial events.
The agency will also be responsible for managing district-level YouTube channels and social media accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
Tasks include livestreaming the Chief Minister’s programs and sharing approved footage of state developments with news outlets.
The tender remains open until November 28, as per the official notification by the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD).
Additionally, the agency must maintain a network of one stringer in each of the state’s 200 Assembly constituencies. These stringers will be required to deliver videos within three hours of being instructed, with penalties of up to Rs 50,000 for delays or non-compliance.
The tender mandates quarterly growth of at least 5% in followers across the government’s social media platforms. Failure to achieve this will result in a 0.5% penalty on the agency’s monthly payment.
The IPRD will provide the agency access to its existing studio and technical equipment in Jaipur to facilitate operations, as stated in the official order.
Since the agency will have access to the IPRD’s existing studio and equipment, concerns about the use of public resources for what some perceive as a potentially politicized or saffronized initiative arises.
Citing the Samrawata case—where independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly slapped a local SDM, triggering violence and arson by his supporters—an official suggested that real-time updates from the district administration could have altered public perception. “Imagine if live updates from the other side were available during the Samrawata case. It could have painted a different picture,” the official told The Indian Express.
While the project is unlikely to be operational in time for the Rising Rajasthan investment summit in December, officials believe it could play a crucial role in shaping narratives during politically sensitive moments.
However, the project’s performance-based structure is drawing sharp criticism, with some arguing that the government should prioritize strengthening its own Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) by hiring additional staff and upgrading its infrastructure rather than outsourcing media agencies for key responsibilities.
Critics view the move as an attempt to centralize narrative control, particularly during controversial incidents.
