For any Complaints / Suggestions mail at probestundertaking@gmail.com

Shri Virendra Bagul
Public Relations Officer
Tel. Office 2281 6656, 2284 1255
Mobile No. +91-9594716483

Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking
Electric House,
BEST Marg,
Colaba, Mumbai - 400 001
Tel : 2285 6262  ext : 395/396

The concept of Public Relations took shape in USA in 1930. In India it was accepted during the period of World War-II. However, in BEST, Public Relations Department came into existence in 1950. Before 1950 the Secretary was dealing with the work of Public Relations. In the beginning, the function of the department was to attend complaints of passengers and consumers and to educate the people about the working of Undertaking. In nut shell, the department used to act as a mediator between the BEST management and Mumbaikars. However, the concept of Public Relations has changed over a period and role of Public Relations Department in BEST has also enhanced. A bried resume of the department working is as under:-

1. Press Cuttings – Every morning, the department has to go through almost all the newspapers published in the city and take out press cuttings related to BEST, BMC and any such important news and submit compiled report of the same to the General Manager and Chairman.

2. Press Notes - To educate the general public about the happenings in the Undertaking, press notes are issued from time to time. The press notes are generally released on subjects such as introduction of new routes, diversion, cancellation of BEST services, special BEST services during holidays and festivals, changeover of voltage, revision in bus fare, electricity tariff opening and closing of Cash counters etc. In the current year, 69 press notes were released.

3. Special Efforts for Image Building :- The department plays an important role in boosting up the image of the Undertaking. The department arranges for vital coverage of the various activities of programmes of the Undertaking through Doordarshan channels, FM and All India Radio. Nearly 55 such programmes were telecast on Doordarshan and on other channels during the current year. Besides, Interviews of Chairman/General Manager of the Undertaking are also arranged with electronic and print media.

4. Replies to the Complaints/Suggestions :- Complaints/suggestions received directly by the department or appeared in the news papers are promptly replied after getting the justification from the concerned department. The department has issued 730 clarifications in the current year to the complaints, suggestions, criticism appeared in the news papers and received directly.

5. Press Conferences :– On special occasions & as per the directives of the management the press conferences are arranged by this department. In this year nearly 10 press conferences were arranged by the department.

6. Advertisements :- The department makes arrangement to publish advertisement of the Undertaking in the various news papers. About 173 advertisements insertions and notifications were released in the approved local as well as upcountry newspapers in the current year. The department also prepared for bill vouchers for releasing payment of these advertisement.

7. Awareness Campaign :- The department take special efforts for the implementation of various campaigns such as Awareness for usage of Public Transport, Promotion of Air Condition Buses, Security Measures Drive, Promotion of Consumers/Commuters friendly services etc. Besides the department is also entrusted with the job of receiving guest and make arrangement of their lodging and boarding.

8. Administration Report :– The department has been entrusted with the compliance, edition and printing of Administration Report. The department makes all efforts to make the administration report more interesting.

9. Publishing of House Journal :– The department publishes house journal called the BEST Varta. The very concept of house journal was introduced in the year 1959. It was then named as BEST Bulletin and used to be published in three languages namely Hindi, Marathi and English. The Best bulletin became Best News after some years and now it is Best Varta. It includes reporters of various functions/programmes and also information related to meritorious performance of the employees and their family members in the field of education, art, sports and literature. Articles and stories of the employees, photographs of retirees should also published in it. In addition to this articles related to the periodical problems and events such as various festivals, Rainy Season, Health Problem like Leptospirosis, SARS, AIDS. Interviews of dignitaries . are published in it. The magazines has proved to be effective channels of information and communication within the organisation. It is very popular amongst officers and employees.

10. THE BEST STORY :– The department has also published a book named THE BEST STORY in the year 1972. The script of this book was written by renowned Marathi novelist & ex-BEST employee Shri S.N. Pendsey. The work of English edition was done by Prof. M.V. Rajadhayaksha. The book narrates a complete history of BEST Undertaking. Apart from the educative information possess some rare photographs of bus models, old street lamps, old electrical installation etc. A second edition of this book with the updated information was published on the occasion of golden jubilee year of the Municipalisation of BEST i.e. 7th August, 1997 this book is also written by Shri Pendsey and work of English edition was looked after by Prof. Rajadhayaksha. It is a priced publication and the actual price of the book is Rs. 100/-. However it can be purchased at a discount rate of Rs. 65/- from Public Relations Department.

The Public Relations Department thus plays a vital role in projecting the image of the Undertaking.