Kolkata Information Centre
1/1, A.J.C.Bose Road
Kolkata-700020
Phone:2223-4214/2451

Activities of Kolkata Information Centre

The activities of Kolkata Information Centre have gained importance in recent times. The centre is being built up as a model information centre. The Centre maintains a computerised database on the activities of I & C A and other important departments of the Government, private organisations & individuals directly and indirectly related with the people in cultural and related fields.(Refer to a List of menu-wise information).It has been decided to extend the facility of this Data Bank to general public in the form of an Information Kiosk Service with the help of Regional Computer Centre (RCC), Calcutta. One may get hard copies of his queries at a nominal cost. Moreover, one will have the facility of Internet surfing and e-mail sending through this Kiosk at a reasonable and affordable cost.

In the financial year 2000-01, the Centre has been linked to the world wide web of internet network. A web-site of KIC namely www.tathyabangla.org.in has been created in collaboration with RCC,Kolkata.

A touch-screen based information system (Info-kiosk) has also been installed at KIC by WEBEL. It has been decided to install this system utilising the data bank of KIC at the reception room of KIC where public visit regularly to collect information. Introduction of touch-screen based system, in addition to the man-to-man service will speed up the process of dissemination of information and general public can interact with the data bank of KIC at their leisure and convenience

The air-conditioned meeting room of KIC has recently been renovated with the introduction of modern conference system. Departmental as well as other important meetings and seminars are regularly held here.

Apart from it, Exhibition Hall attached with KIC are made available to different organisations in nominal charges for holding exhibitions of various natures. Apart from this, meetings, seminars, exhibitions on different issues are being arranged by KIC from time to time. Sometimes, joint collaborations are made with the Foreign Embassies. The Centre also celebrates the Birth Anniversary/Centenary of the great personalities of the country.

The day of 22nd Sravana (Brikhsa Ropan Utsav') is observed with due respect. Many eminent persons participate in this programme and plant saplings on the occasion.

An essay competition in English & Bengali on the topic "Was the Nuclear Test Explosion by the Govt. of India justified?" was conducted from KIC in commemorative of golden jubilee celebration of India's independence.

The official State reception programme of Noble laureate Prof. Amartya Sen held at Netaji Indoor Stadium on December 27, 1998 was organised and conducted from Kolkata Information Centre jointly with State Ceremonies & Hospitality Wing of this department..

The official State reception programme of Sri Sourav Ganguly, in felicitation of his selection as captain of Indian cricket team, held at Netaji Indoor Stadium on April 3, 2000, was organised and conducted from KIC jointly with State Ceremonies & Hospitality Wing of this department and in collaboration with the Sports Department.

KIC make arrangements for display of Election Results after General Election. Kolkata Publicity works are conducted from Kolkata Information Centre through Hoardings and Multimedia Campaigns in various spots in and around the city of Kolkata.

Hoardings are displayed in different sites in Kolkata which may be grouped as (a) Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sites, (b) P.W.D. Sites, (c) Private Sites & (d) CMDA sites.

In order to create public awareness, Multimedia Campaigns are organised from time to time in the districts as well as in Kolkata for highlighting the Left Front Government’s views on issues like the need for communal amity, national integration, pollution-free environment, rights of women, drug addiction etc. All the wings of the department including the Culture Wing & Film Wing participate in these campaigns.

Apart from this, cinema slides are being made for projection through the private cinema halls for public awareness. Documentary and video films are screened in different schools and colleges and mass organisations. These films are procured by the Directorate of Film of this Department. Besides, tableaux are exhibited & leaflets, booklets, posters are distributed to different organisations as a part of Kolkata Publicity Programme.