Kerala govt departments shell lakhs for PR agencies, shun state-run PRD

Many government departments and affiliated firms in Kerala are hiring private PR agencies on annual contracts, sidelining the state-run Public Relations Department. Despite assurances from the Chief Minister that the state relies solely on the PRD for news dissemination, various departments are engaging private PR agencies through non-transparent processes, bypassing tender requirements. Key departments like IT, Industry, and Tourism are leading in PR spending, with some departments reportedly spending up to Rs 40 lakh annually on these services. This trend has created a monopoly, with PR contracts concentrated among a few select agencies.