Govt 'flexes' digital muscle to publicise schemes

Huge flex boards and banners to publicise the government's schemes will soon be a thing of the past as technology has been put to good use to erect digital display boards across the city to serve the purpose.

In an effort to woo people and to highlight its achievements during its tenure and popularise the government's programmes, the state government has decided to give a digital touch making use of the available technology.

As banners and flex boards erected for the purpose were not as successful as expected, the Department of Information and Public Relations has taken up installation of digital display boards at the district centres.

The digital display board at Mahaveer Circle in the city has been installed at a cost of Rs 35 lakh and will function round-the-clock. Jhenkar Advertising Company of Bengaluru has been given the contract to erect the boards and a technical expert from the city will monitor the works.

Initially, the digital boards would be installed at 10 districts and would be extended to other districts later.

Currently, the government schemes, achievements and facilities are being displayed on the digital boards. The importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, saving water and measures to prevent the spread of epidemic diseases are also on display. The technology will also be utilised to offer information with regard to tourist destinations in the district and Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola among others.

Vinod Chandra, the District Information and Public Relations officer, told DH that the new technology has generated much interest among the locals. If the digital boards receive a good response, there are plans to extend it to the taluk centres as well. Currently, only government programmes are being popularised. A decision on whether the boards could be used for playing private advertisements will be taken by the government, he said.

There is also a facility to play videos along with audio clips for various projects. However, the videos will be muted so that vehicular traffic is not interrupted, he said.