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Public Relations Of LIC Of India

1

A PROJECT ON:

PUBLIC RELATIONS OF

LIFE INSURANCE CORPORATION OF INDIA

SUBMITTED BY:

-------T.Y.B.M.S. (SEMESTER V)

Name of college

FOR ACADEMIC YEAR:

-----

SUBMITTED TO:

UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI

DECLARATION




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I, name, OF name of college

OF T.Y.B.M.S. (SEMESTER V),

HEREBY DECLARE THAT,I HAVE COMPLETED MY PROJECT ON

³PUBLIC RELATIONS OF LIFE INSURANCE

CORPORATION OF INDIA´

IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2007 ± 2008

THE INFORMATION SUBMITTED HEREIN IS

TRUE AND ORIGINAL TO BEST OF MYKNOWLEDGE.

²²²²²²²² ²²²²²²DATE OF SUBMISSION SIGNATURE OF

STUDENT

(name)

²²²²²²

PLACE

CERTIFICATE




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I, PROF.name, HEREBY CERTIFY THAT name of

student OF name of college

FROM T.Y.B.M.S. (SEMESTER V) HAS

COMPLETED HIS PROJECT ON³PUBLIC RELATIONS OF LIFE INSURANCE

CORPORATION OF INDIA´

IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2007 ± 2008.

THE INFORMATION SUBMITTED HEREIN IS

TRUE AND ORIGINAL TO THE BEST OF MY

KNOWLEDGE.

²²²²²²²²²² ²²²²²²² SIGNATURE OF PROJECT SIGNATURE OF

GUIDE CO-CORDINATOR

²²²²²²²²²²²² ²²²²²²²²²

SIGNATURE OF COLLEGE SIGNATURE OF

PRINCIPAL EXTERNAL EXAMINER

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

One of the pleasant aspects of preparing a project is the opportunity to thank those who

have contributed to make the project completion possible.




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I extremely thankful to Prof Mayank Dhedia whose active interest in the project insights

helped us to formulate, redefine and implement our approach towards the project.

I am also thankful to all those seen and unseen hands & heads, which have been of direct

or indirect, help in the completion of this project.

CONTENTS




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Sr.no TopicsPage

No

1 INTRODUCTION 7

2 HISTORY OF PUBLIC RELATIONS 10

3 OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS 12

4 FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT 15

5 THE NEED FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS 19

6 SCOPE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS 22

7 PROFESSIONAL CODE-PUBLIC RELATIONS

CODE OF ETHICS23

8 PUBLIC RELATIONS IN INDIAN ECONOMIC 27

9 MEDIUMS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS 29

10 PLANNING PROCESS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS 35




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CORPORATE PROFILE

39

12 PUBLICS IMPORTANT TO LIC 43

13 RELATIONSHIP WITH SIGNIFICANT PUBLICS 44

14 CONSUMER RELATIONS IN LIC 46

15 FINANCIAL RELATIONS IN LIC 52

16 COMMUNITY REALTIONS IN LIC 52

17 AIM OF CORPORATE RELATIONS FULFILLED AT LIC 53

18 CORPORATE POLICY OF LIC ON PUBLIC RELATIONS 55

19 PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES OF L.I.C 58

20 CONCLUSION 63

21 BIBLIOGRAPHY 64

What Is Public?




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Public is a group of similar ideas, an assortment of persons having the same interests,

problems, circumstances & goals. They vary in their forms & sizes they have a multitude

of wants & desires. Each group has its own likes & dislikes. Group can be classified as:

- Employees form a group/public; employers form another group, etc. Other members of

the public can be dealers, wholesalers, investors, etc. Each of these groups is a public &

everyone tries to attract a district audience with its varied tools & techniques. A public

may also be made up of a no. of individual¶s who are unorganized & hard to identify but

who for widely varied reasons have a common interest in the matter at issue.

Today, however, when modern means of common make vast number of people aware of

controversial issues & common interests, publics tend to be large & impersonal. These

publics involve people who are not known to each other & are widely distributed over the

country, or even among a number of countries. The members of such public rarely meet

each other face to face or have much direct communication. The impersonal but

powerful publics are numerous in today¶s high complex society. But finally the public is

any group of people who share common interest.

Relations:-

It is the outcome of mutual understanding derived from the process of sharing of common

interest where as relationship is the definite type of relation or interaction taking place

between two individuals, group or departments. To understand any relationship, therefore

it is necessary that one understands the wants of those involved.

The term PR is also applied to the profession responsible for handling such assignments.

Corporations, govt. agencies, politicians & entertainers are among these who use public

relations. Their publics vary from employees & shareholders to an entire community or

members of the news media. The communication between an organization & its public

ranges a simple news release to a sophisticated campaign featuring films, ad¶s speeches

& television appearances. Such communication is aimed at gaining the goodwill of the




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public. The basis of any effective PR campaign is public benefit. If an organization does

not serve the needs of public, the public will not support it. PR experts help an

organization learn what the public wants & then establish policies that reflect concern for

public¶s interests.

PR generally is practiced through:-

Corporate PR dept: - In a corporate department, specialists handle corporate PR

activities for only that company.

PR Agencies: - In agencies specialists carry out PR activities for several companies

Public Information Departments:- Non-profit organizations like colleges

and Government agencies have public information departments that

work to strengthen the image of the organization.

Definitions of PR by some renowned people:

Frank Jefkins: Public Relations means what it says- relations with the public. It is

practically a self-defining term. It aims to create and maintain confidence. It is a system

of communication to create goodwill. It produces that intangible quality or asset-

goodwill, and earns credit for achievements.

K.R.Balan: µThe discipline which brings out the rewards in generating

³mutual understanding´ and the risks involved in misunderstanding between

individuals, groups, governments and nations in this restless world the shape

and content of which tend to be rapidly changing.¶

Editor of PR news: PR is the management function which evaluates public attitudes,

identifies the policies & procedures, of an organization or an individual with pubic




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interests & plans & executes a program or action to earn public understanding and

acceptance.

Interpretation of the above definition-

It measures, evaluates & interprets the attitude of various related public.

It assists management in defining objectives for increasing public understanding &

acceptance of organizations products, plans, policies & personnel

It equates these objectives with the interests, needs & goals of various related public.

It develops, executes & evaluates a program to earn public understanding & acceptance.

HISTORY OF PUBLIC RELATION:-




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Public Relations as a term was first formally used by µThomas Jefferson¶ in the year

1807, while drafting his seventh address to the congress delegates when he scratched out

the words ³State Of Thought´ and wrote ³Public Relations´ instead. Informally Sir

Walter Raleigh used it even earlier during the Land Rehabilitation Movement, while

persuading people from different parts of America to settle in the rural parts of Virginia.

This was the first organized effort to win and mobilize public opinion. In India, the term

of course gained importance later through the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) in

1958.

Elements of Public Relations:

Human relations:

It is getting along well with the word public both internally or externally. No person can

work independently & everyone who works in an organization directly or indirectly

depends on one another.

Empathy:

Empathy means feeling with the other person to analyze others point of view & is

regarded as primary pre-requisite for a satisfying experience in a relationship where a

certain degree of depth of understanding is expected.

Persuasion:

There are 2 forms of interaction between individuals or groups

Force or compulsion b) persuasion.

If one party compels another to do something instead of perusing him this is called

Despotism. It is against the principle of proper conduct sanctioned by society. A sense of




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human interest on the person who is being persuaded will understand & appreciate the

cause & effect of this action.

Dialogue:

It is a conversation with purpose. It is not a bargain basement transaction but it is a low

form of negotiation. Dialogue is a reasonable exchange of ideas bringing into view a new

form of knowledge, the use of dialogue is for influencing behaviour like selling goods or

inspiring innovative ideas.

OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS




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The main objective of public relations is to establish good understanding by sharing a

common problem or interest with the public. By public we here mean both an internal

public and a public external to the organization.

Mutual understanding can be established only by sharing a common interest, by

communication and relations.

However, the following are the broad objectives of public relations:

1. To promote mutual understanding.

2. To avoid the risk involved in misunderstanding.

3. To win friends.

4. To influence people.

5. To change the behaviour and attitude of the public.

6. To enhance the patronage from the various sections.

7. To help in fund raising.

8. To persuade individuals, groups etc.

9. To connect misconceptions and clarify on criticism of its

Policies and practices.

10. To promote goodwill.

11. To create and maintain the image or reputation about the

Company.




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12. To forestall attack by the competitors or opponents.

13. To undertake a public relations education program.

14. To help the public to love life and work for better or for

worse without conditions.

15. To improve internal staff relations.

16. To liaise, counsel and advise.

17. To provide information about the activities of the company

to the Press and writers.

18. To prepare and supply the public with information about the

Organization like price, quality, export, employment, and

Other.

Special features

19. To ascertain public opinion, conduct opinion research, and

understand public attitudes on the organization, profession

and practice.

20. To sponsor dealer and distributor relations schemes.

21. To undertake programmes like sales training courses for

retailers, wholesalers.

22. To establish press relations, publicity articles preparation,




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press release, photographs

23. To communicate with the employees on their benefits,

accident prevention labour relations and collective

bargaining.

24. To undertake a campaign of public education about an

industry or profession and its contribution to the public.

25. To establish relations with federal and state legislators,

agencies.

FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT




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The functions to be performed by a public relations department may vary from

organization to organization depending upon the nature and activities of a particular

organization. However, certain standard functions have emerged as common in most

balanced departments. They are discussed below:

Policy:

Public relations policy is required for every organization. A policy is a statement of

guidelines to be followed in the company. The department has to develop and

recommend corporate public relations policies. It has to contribute the public relations

view point which helps in the formulation of decision. Its function is not merely to

provide the policy mainly to the top management but also to the other sections and

divisions.

Publicity:

Corporate publicity is necessary to interact with the public. The department has to

undertake the development and issuance of announcements of corporate activities to

external communication media. It has to handle inquiries from the press. It is a part of the

functions of the department to develop and place promotional and publicity about the

company as a whole or any of its units.

Product Publicity:

Corporate publicity is different from the product publicity. In this, focus is on the

products and how to popularize the product. This includes both new products as well asexisting ones. It includes the announcement of new products through the editorial

channels of the communication media. The department has to develop and execute the

promotional product publicity campaigns.

Relations with the Government:




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Relations with the government cannot be overlooked. In all spheres of activities the

government interferes, regulates, controls and supervises. It is necessary to maintain

liaison with appropriate governmental departments. This liaison covers both the local

level, state level and national level. Besides, governmental relations include:

y Advise action as needed

y Report trends in government affecting the company

y Help in preparing and directing corporate appearances before investigating bodies

of legislative hearings.

y Direct programmes designed to promote the company¶s point of view in

legislative or regulatory matters.

Community Relations:

Community contacts should be planned. It is the performance and or coordination of

corporate good neighbour activities, including compliance with environmental protection

standards, fostering equal employment opportunity, cooperating in urban improvement

programmes, and developing community understanding of a company¶s problems and

needs.

Shareholders relations:

Relations with the corporate stockholders are more important to attract public money.

This takes the form of communication between the company and the shareholders in

particular and also the investment community in general. It is necessary for the

development and acceptance of the company among the investors by broadening the

exposure of the company¶s policy and financial results in the investment community.

This function includes preparation of annual reports, quarterly reports, dividend cheque

inserts etc. It has to plan and stage the annual meetings of stockholders and appearances

before meetings of security analysis.




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Promotion Programmes:

Public relations promotion programmes should be formulated and implemented. This

may broadly cover institutional advertising, public relations literature and special events.

Donations:

A corporate donation policy should be developed for company contributions. Various

aspects involved in this function are processing requests for donations, administering

company¶s foundation, and the conduct of employee¶s solicitations for approved drives.

Employee Publications:

The public relations department has to prepare and publish employee magazines,

newspapers, bulletins, management communication etc

Guest relations:

The department must undertake guest reception activities.

Coordinating activities.

Conveying and Interpretation.

Advisory function.

Public relations education programme.

ESTABLISHMENT OF RELATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC

As experience has shown, the world stands divided into three sets of people:

1. There are those who know you and like you.

2. There are those who know you and do not like you, and




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3. There are those who neither know you nor care.

The third are usually the large majority. Now the aim is:

1. To reach a position where those who know and like you stay

that way;

2. Where those -.who know you and do not like you, change

their opinion;

3. Those who neither know you nor care wish they could meet

you and do business with you.

The technique involved in the process is like that of the one followed by the fisherman

who chooses his bait not by his own taste but by the taste of the fish.

THE NEED FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS

In recent decades human society has become so complicated and differentiated that the

individual--- at least in the developed countries- is no longer able to live without adequate

information. He certainly would not be able to live well without using the numerous

possibilities of information offered him today. It is an indisputable fact that in this




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increasingly automated world man can no longer exist in complete isolation. In our age,

technical developments have intensified the interdependence of all people to such an

extent that the individual's capability of living is dependent, in many different ways, on

society. That is, the individual lives on information he receives from society.

Four Fundamental Factors:

The answer to the question, 'Why Public Relations?' is well explained with the help of the

following paragraphs:

1. Communication:

The means of communication have reached, technically, almost a stage of perfection. It

is today financially possible for practically everybody- at least in the advanced nations-to

receive'" information. The level of education of a wide circle of the population is rising

rapidly and this ensures a steady increase in the capacity for receiving information which

is guaranteed by the 'constitution.' Adequate information is, therefore, theoretically

possible although it is by no means guaranteed in each individual case.

2. New Information Order:

Whether we are correctly informed is far more difficult to answer. Many books, many

discussions in academics in radio and television in India and abroad, and countless

lectures, not excluding those in 'Information Society' and 'New Information Order' , as far

as we are aware, a correct reply is yet to be received. The only answer, according to the

philosopher Karl Jaspers given in 1963, is "we in the Free World have the chance to sharethe responsibility and find ways of receiving the best possible information."

3. Information Load:




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Also called message load or quantity. The sceptic will, of course, draw our attention to

the flood of information to which we are all exposed today. The proper reply to this is

that this flood is largely without direction and that it is incomplete or inaccurate.

Information must be prepared. Essential information must be separated from trivial

matter, and the interest of the receiver must be aroused in the right direction. In the

realization that ignorance, the inability to appreciate or recognize, superficial knowledge

is extremely likely to result in dislikes, dissatisfaction and outright rejection with all their

disastrous consequences.

What we require is a fair means of information which eliminates existing or awakened

suspicions, which builds up understanding, and creates confidence. This is what we call

Public Relations.

4. Mutuality and Understanding:

Going by the definition of public relations, the mutuality is based on interaction between

consideration for public opinion, and the need of the communicator or organization to

inform or establish contact. Understanding is created by providing insight into, and

reporting on all essential matters. Confidence is cultivated by bringing the aim of the

organization into harmony with the public interest, thus winning and maintaininggoodwill among the general public.

From all these facts, it is clear what the purpose of this' Activity in, for, and with, the

public' is : To act and not to react; to create an atmosphere of confidence by an active

information policy, the passive part of which consists in answering queries; to inform the

public and exert influence towards the inside as a form of corporate and social counter-

control to establish direct or in direct connections with the public, to fulfill a kind of

interpreter's function towards the public and to control communicative reaction. The

desired effect can only be achieved if the information or message is true and verifiable,

clearly formulated and readily understandable, and is also in conformity with the daily

practice of living and experiencing.




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SCOPE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

There has been misconceived opinion about the scope or field of public relations

activities. In lectures and articles published one is apt to gain the impression that public

relations concern industry and commerce only. In such an instance it can only be said that

one tends to overlook the fact that public relations, particularly in this decade, has entered

all sectors of public life, not excluding religion, and that it how has a virtually unlimited

field of application. The following examples demonstrate the wide field of public




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relations activities in industry and commerce. In our market economy there are

information gaps which cannot be filled by the interaction of supply and demand via

prices, costs or wages. This is when public relations activity steps in. It provides

information on Planning technical and organizational developments, inventions and their

potential utilization, or it issues at regular intervals company reports which provide a

deeper insight into the structure of the corporation than the public can otherwise obtain.

The relations activity is becoming increasingly necessary for the procurement of

economically essential production factors. It makes it easier for corporations to tap the

money-market or to finance their projects by issuing bonds or shares. It can also help

them to find new personnel when necessary, and thus level out personnel fluctuation

without reducing the desired working mobility. Finally it is easier for a corporation to

acquire land from a community if the corporation cultivates public relations and

endeavors to bring its own interests in harmony with those of the community.

Public relations activity may support marketing. In its various forms it may contribute

decisively to successful frictionless business activity. The principles of reciprocity

underlying public relations is for the corporation an incentive to improve performance,

because it helps the Corporation to overcome a difficult situation. Today the public

relations profession has entered even in to the fields of hospitality, tourism, institutes, in

education and to a variety of others.

PROFESSIONAL CODE-PUBLIC RELATIONS

CODE OF ETHICS

International Code of Ethics for Public Relations as adopted by the Public Relations

Society of India at the 1st

All India Public Relations Conference, New Delhi, April 21,

1968: Considering that all member-countries of the United Nations Organization have

agreed to abide by its Charter which refines "its faith in fundamental human rights, in the




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dignity and worth of the human person" and that having regard to the very nature of their

profession, Public Relations practitioners in these countries should undertake to ascertain

and observe the principles set out in this Chapter. Considering that, apart from "right",

human beings have not only physical or material needs but also intellectual, moral and

social needs, and that their rights are of real benefits to them only in so far as needs are

essentially met.

Considering that, in the course of their professional duties and depending on how these

duties are pardoned, Public Relations practitioners can substantially help to meet these

intellectual, moral and social needs. And lastly, considering tell the use of techniques

enabling them to come simultaneously into contact with millions of people gives Public

Relations practitioners a power that has to be restrained by the observance of a strict

moral code. On all these grounds the Public Relations Society of India hereby declares

that it accepts, as its moral charter the principles of the following Code of Ethics, and that

if, in the light of evidence submitted to the Society, a member of this Society should be

found to have infringed this Code in the course of his professional duties, he will be

deemed to be guilty of serious misconduct calling for an appropriate penalty.

Accordingly, each Member of this Society Shall Endeavor

1. To contribute to the achievement of the moral and cultural conditions enabling human

beings to reach their full stature and enjoy the indefeasible rights to which they are

entitled under the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights".

2. To establish communication patterns and channels which, by fostering the free flow of

essential information, will make ach member of ' the group feel that he is being kept

informed, and also give him an awareness of his own personal involvement and

responsibility and of his solidarity with other members;

3. To conduct himself always and in all circumstances in such a manner as to deserve

and secure the confidence of those with whom he come into contact;




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4. To bear in mind that because of the relationship between his profession and the public,

his conduct even in private will have an impact on the way which the profession as a

whole is appraised.

5. To observe, in the course of his professional duties, the moral principles and rules of

the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights";

6. To pay due regard to, and uphold, human dignity, and to recognize the right of each

individual to judge for himself;

7. To establish the moral, psychological and intellectual conditions for dialogue in its

true sense, and to roguish the right of the parties involved to start their case and

express their views;

8. To act in all circumstances in such a manner as to takeaccount of the respective

interests of the parties involved; both the interests of the organization which he serves

and the interests of the publics concerned;

9. To carry out his undertakings and commitments which shall always be so worded as to

avoid any misunderstanding and to show loyalty and integrity in all circumstances so

as to keep the confidence of his clients or employees, past or

present and of all the publics that are affected by his action. shall refrain from;

10. Subordinating the truth to other requirements;

11. Circulating information which is not based on established and ascertainable facts;

12. Taking part in any venture or undertaking which is unethical or dishonest or 'capable

of impairing human dignity and integrity;




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13. Using any 'manipulative' methods or techniques designed tocreate subconscious

motivations which the individual cannot control of his own free will and so cannot be

held accountable for the action taken on them.

Personal Credo of Bateman

(General Chairman of the Public Relations World Congress)

August 11 to 14, 1976.

1. I believe that public relations are a profession which should concern itself not with the

manipulation of the people, but with their continuing enlighten.

2. I believe that public relations practice should strive to elevate its audiences rather than

to degrade them, and our communications should be addressed to reason judgment

rather than to emotion and prejudice.

3. I believe that sound public relations comprises policies and deeds as well as words;

that it must deal in truth rather than in Celestin; that it must seek to clarify the issues

of our times rather than confuse them

4. While I may understand to present one point of view for public consideration, I believe

in the inalienable right of those with opposing points of view to present their cases the

also. For Ire cognize my right to speak can be assured only if guarantee exists for all,

including those whose causes are unpopular.

5. I believe that the democratic process must prevail in the market place of ideas, as well

as the political and economic affairs.

6. I believe that the public interest takes precedence over the interests of those I represent;

and I conceive my function as being to assist in confirming the interests of those I

represent




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7. I recognize that the consequences of my actions are affected in the minds of men; and

because the human mind has immeasurable potentials for good and for evil, I must

approach my task in reverence and as for the inviolable right of the individual to make

his own judgments.

Public Relations in Indian Economic

The Houses of Tata, Mafatlal, Bajaj, Hindustan lever, Colgate Palmolive, Indian Oxygen,

Goodyear, Hoechst, DCM, Godrej, TVS, ACC, Mahindra & Mahindra, Birlas and the JK

Group of Kanpur, to name a few, have contributed a great deal to the economic

development of India by faithful implementation of corporate relations programmes.

Owing mainly to tile progressive and enlightened programmes and policies of these




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'corporate citizens¶, abundant employment opportunities have been generated, and

sizeable foreign exchange has also been earned. The following are .the elements involved

in the Corporate (Public) Relations Policy which have helped these companies gain the

esteem of the various segments of the Indian and overseas public.

1. Adoption to counseling based on an understanding of human behavior.

2. Analyzing future needs and predicting their consequences.

3. Research into public opinion, attitudes and expectations and advising on necessary

action.

4.Establishing and maintaining two-way communication basedon truth and full

information.

5. Preventing conflict and misunderstandings.

6. Promoting mutual respect and social responsibility.

7. Harmonizing the private and public interests.

8. Promoting goodwill with staff, suppliers and customers.

9. Improving industrial relations.

10. Attracting good personnel and reducing labor turnover.

11. Promotion of products and service.

12. Maximizing profitability.

13. Projecting a 'Corporate Identity.'




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14. Encouraging an interest in international affairs.

15. Promoting an understanding of democracy.

Mediums of Public Relations

Letters

Letters which enable one person to reach another despite the

Limitations of time that can cut down on personal visits and telephoning, Are among the

most ancient and perhaps still the most important media of Mass communications. It has




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been said that letters are the only selling medium that, if taken away, would disrupt the

entire modem business structure.

They are sent out with every kind of enclosure; pamphlets and

Leaflets, order blanks, samples, pictures, return post cards, and many others. The well-

written letter has a major advantage over all other media it is directed personally to an

individual. If it designed to please and flatter him rather than to irritate him as an invasion

of his privacy, it commands his attention for a little while perhaps just long enough to

motivate him to do what the writer wants him to do. Mail is a personal thing. A person

likes to receive a letter written for him as well as addressed to him. He likes to express

regard for him, offer him a better job, make a promise or enclose a cheque. When a

publicist sends out a letter written for the client's benefit rather than for the recipient's,

privacy is being presumed upon. The recipient may resent it. He may throw the letter

away without reading it, or read it only to turn against the writer. Individually written and

addressed letters have long constituted his backbone of international communication.

Offset letters are being used

in increasing volume to establish a direct speedy line of communication with specific

publics- Letters are used on a regular or spot-news basis to reach employees, dealers,

alumni, or workers in a fund-raising or legislative campaign.

The Telephone

A telephone call is more effective than a letter as a last minute reminder or an incitement

to action. The telephone is good for getting a person to do something he should do

although he might prefer not to such as attending a meeting. He can dodge a letter more

easily than the personal commitment of a personal conversation. But for a technical or




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monetary commitment both parties will find it advisable to put it in writing to seal the

telephone agreement.

The secret of success in a large-scale telephone campaign is to

Obtain reliable telephone operators - people with pleasing telephone Personalities and the

persistence to keep after each number until they actually reach the proper party and drive

the message home. The maximum effect is obtained in a telephone drive when every

prospect is reached over the phone by a personal acquaintance. The telephone being an

instrument of human contact, courtesy and tact in its use are important in winning the

understanding and goodwill of the person

On the receiving end. The telephone personality of an organization and its employees is a

vital aspect of its relations with the entire community, with many different publics, and

with every individual connected by phone. A glaring telephone discourtesy is to have a

secretary put through a call and then hold up the party being telephoned because the

caller has become tied up with something else. It is better for people in business to make

their own calls.

People in business can win goodwill by answering their own telephones if possible; it is

not pleasant telephone manners to have a secretary ask every caller 'Who's this? 'Who are

you with? And what¶s the call about?

Word of Mouth

Word of mouth spreads like wild fire. If the subject and content are right, it can burst into

spontaneous combustion just as an entire forest may suddenly be overrun by

conflagration. Through word of mouth, rumor and innuendo may spread with extreme

speed and spontaneity if the subject is close to the emotion of people. Feeling and thought

must quickly take wing on word of mouth. In stimulating a word-of-mouth campaign.

The important thing is to present subject matter of such interest as to cause people to

repeat it to others.




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Word of mouth is perhaps the most subtle of publicity tools. It takes the form of gossip

and slander at times if timely action is not taken to control it. Though it is the hardest to

control, all our efforts need to be made. Its manipulation is not subject to cut-and dried

mechanics, as is the case with so many publicity media and instruments. The things that

contribute to word-of-mouth circulation are:

1. A spectacular and successful event or product.

2. A spectacular publicity or activating campaign.

3. A good catchword or slogan.

4. Capitalizing on a mass trend or catchword.

Newsletter

The commercial field has long made good use of newsletters. These have a bright future.

Newsletters tend to fit the times these days. People have fragmented interests. There are

certain things they want to know a lot about, and other things they don't want to hear

anything about. Newsletters have the advantage of speed. They are quick to read. The

public relations use of newsletters is spreading rapidly into non-profit fields as well.

Associations and professional societies particularly find the formal effective. Its use in politics and lobbying is burgeoning.

With this format, users can reach constituents quickly on matters having both urgency

and importance. The person-to-person nature invites reading.

Post Cards

Post cards are quick and easy to prepare, quick and easy for the




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Recipient to absorb, economical to mail to constituents and an effective adaptation of

direct mail to reach large numbers of people with a message that can be punched home in

a paragraph.

In many campaigns, a large number of individuals can be stimulated to sign and then

send post cards to their own friends and contacts. This personal touch has more influence

with the recipient than would a communiqué from a stranger.

Public Address System

Public address systems at meetings, shows, gathering of employees or mass audiences of

any kind make it possible mechanically to project he human voice before a large number

of people. Mounted on a mini truck or other mobile auto, the public address system can

be transported from place to place, presenting speakers and programmers as it goes, and

reaching a widely distributed audience. Sound tracks can also be rigged up at

programmes in lieu of a permanently installed public address system. A portable bullhorn

affords great mobility wherever amplified sound is needed.

A recording makes it possible to 'capture' a speech or radioProgramme and replay it by radio before an audience or over a public address system

anywhere. Some recordings are made on the spot at special events. In other instances,

special programmes are deliberately produced at are cording studio.

Charts

Charts are by far the most-used visual aid. A chart may be painted, printed or drawn. It

must be large enough and simple enough to be seen and comprehended in the

presentation setting.

Flannel Boards




33

Flannel Boards consist of aboard covered with felt. Sticky-backed visuals are placed on

the surface, allowing a speaker to put some movement and flexibility into an otherwise

static presentation.

Magnetic Boards

Magnetic Boards are much like flannel boards, except that magnets permit the use of

heavier three dimensional visuals.

Video Cassette, Audio Cassette and Disc Recordings

These are useful in overcoming some of the difficulties of working with a diffuse and

loose-knit organization. They assure that all concerned get exactly the same message with

the desired visual and/or audio emphasis. Generally, these video cassettes, audio cassettes

or disc communications, though carefully prepared, are modest in technique.

Intentionally, they do not have the ambitious-or cost-associated with full scale

productions.

Electro writers

An executive or a demonstrator can write his 'blackboard' notes

across a long distance through a transmitter unit hooked up by telephone lines with a

projector unit and screen.

Tele Lecture

This is a useful technique for making an audio/visual presentation at distance. With the

help of the telephone company there is a hook-up from a speaker's office, a meeting or

classroom, where visuals can be shown while the speaker is heard. Members of the

audience can question the speaker through a two-way hook-up. This permits the speaker




34

to 'appear' at many locations without the full time or expense of going there, and it

permits remote groups to engage speakers they otherwise would not attract.

Facsimile

It sends between distant cities via telephone lines, exact copies of blueprints, layouts, and

other visual materials- It is now used increasingly to transmit copy between the offices of

an agency and clients or between an organization and a communications medium.

Planning Process of PR




35

Public relations are not merely a process of getting stories and pictures into newspapers.

It is much more. It has to be properly planned, orderly executed, and a number of details

need careful attention. Public relations costs money, requires manpower, needs expertise,

and consumes time and resources. So it should be

well planned and executed in an orderly manner.

PR Objectives

The first step is to set out clearly the PR objectives before

any campaign is launched. The publicist must have a clear idea

as to what is intended to be achieved. His approach should be

Positive and purposeful:

Publics

The next step is to decide who is the audience to be reached i.e. local, regional, national,

or international. And apart from geographical area, it should be considered if any

specialized audience or a section of the community or professional people is also to be

reached.

Message

After deciding the public the company has to decide what message they want to pass

through the campaign, what is it they want the people to know about them or what they

want to tell or inform the public about.

Strategy




36

A strategy is a long term planning or the methods that a company adopts to make itself a

successful company. For a PR campaign also strategies are required to be formed to so

that they can create an impact or impression in the minds of the people; as well as they

can build a fair and favorable image in the market.

Tactics

Along with a good strategy a company also needs to use some very good tactics for its

campaign because there are competitors in the market and the company has to stand on

top of all of them.

Time Scale

The public has to decide the time scale in which they will complete the campaign. They

have to set a specific time. Also the decision about the commencement of campaign,

duration, repetition, etc. is to be made well in time.

Resources

The publicist has also to think about the resources in terms of money and staff available

to him. The campaign has to be planned keeping in view the resources which the publicist

would be able to mobilize.

Selection of Media/Resources

Another point that requires a decision is about the media to be employed for the

campaign: whether publicity is to be conducted with one medium or more than one or

through multi-media.

Evaluation




37

After deciding upon the above things the publicist should evaluate the whole process to

check whether everything is properly being done or not or whether they have to add

anything else or not, etc.

Review

After evaluation again there should be a review of the entire thing to give it a final check.

Analysis

After the campaign there should be an analysis of the entire process sp that they will

come to know whether the campaign was successful or not and if not then where it went

wrong. If any draw backs are pointed out then again the whole process is repeated from

the point of identifying the publics.




38

PEOPLE¶S MONEY FOR PEOPLE¶S WELRARE




39

LIC CORPORATE PROFILE

Life Insurance Corporation of India is a wholly owned undertaking of the

Government of India.

Life Insurance Corporation of India was established by an Act of Parliament on 1st

September, 1956. Its Central Office is located in Mumbai. It also has seven zonal

offices each located in Mumbai(Western Zone), New Delhi (Northern Zone), Kanpur

(North-Central Zone), Bhopal (Central Zone), Chennai (Southern Zone),

Hyderabad(South-Central Zone), and Calcutta(Eastern Zone).

It has a network of over 2000(2048) branches and more than nine lakh agents. Over

47 years, LIC has become a household name for providing security for a lifetime and

is synonymous to life insurance in India.

LIC ranks No.1 in the list of top 500 companies on the basis of Net Worth(Rs. 15, 47,

951 million) as well as Net Profit(2,66,277 million)- Dun & Bradstreet (India 500

OBJECTIVES OF PUBLIC RELATIONS IN LIC

The objectives of undertaking PR activities in LIC are manifold. In their Citizen¶s

Charter the company states that:




40

TO THE COMMUNITY: We will

Conduct all aspects of our business keeping in view the interests of the community andthe national priorities; Provide insurance cover and financial security to every insurable

segment including the socially and economically weaker sections of the society.

TO OUR CUSTOMERS: We will

provide them prompt, efficient and courteous service; act as trustees of their funds and

invest them to their best advantage; build and maintain enduring relationship;

keep them informed about our products and services etc.

TO OUR WORKFORCE: We will

promote a sense of participation and make them partners in progress; work towards

ensuring their job satisfaction and sense of pride; provide an environment and the

opportunities for growth to enable them to realize their full potential; take steps to

develop professional skills to enable them to handle their assignments more efficiently.

Organization and Staffing of the Public Relations Department

LIC is purely a service-oriented organization. Moreover for transacting with their

customers and business associates the company needs to develop and maintain cordial




41

relations with various sections of the society and various other agencies i.e. their publics.

This makes the role of PR in LIC even more important and vital.

The company has a huge and active Public Relations Department which looks after the

publicity of the various services offered, maintaining cordial relations with the various

publics, publishing of journals, etc. and other PR activities.

Budget:

The management allocates Rs. 2-3 crores (approx.) annually to the PR Department. This

amount is then further allocated to the various Zonal Offices which prepare their

individual budgets according to their requirements.

Staffing Of PR Department

The Director-PR operates from the central office and has under him a Chief PRO. Each

Zonal Office has a Zonal Manager-PR under whom is the Regional Manager-PR. Further

under him is the Assistant Secretary who works with his Subordinate staff to fulfill the

day-to-day activities of the PR Department.

A PR plan is made at the beginning of each accounting year for which

the Chairman appoints a PR Planning Committee. This committee

comprises of the Director PR, Chief PRO, etc.

Tasks and Activities under the purview of PR at LIC

Of the various activities undertaken by µLife Insurance Corporation¶ some are listed

below:




42

Advertising

Though countywide advertising is done by the marketing department, advertising locallyin the various cities is handled by Zonal Offices. The advertising strategy is very well

planned and is largely aimed at image building.

Organize press conferences

Press conferences are organized occasionally, generally when a new policy is released or

when the annual financial results are announced or if something of significance has

happened.

Issue Press Releases

Press Releases are issued both by the central office as well as the various zonal offices.

Participate in public awareness programmes

LIC has time and again joined itself with various community development and awareness

programmes for the cause of rural development and infrastructure development.

Publics Important to LIC

INTERNAL PUBLICS

Employees




43

Employee¶s families

Staff Unions

EXTERNAL PUBLICS

Customers i.e. policy holders

Prospective Customers

Government Agencies

Banks and Financial Institutions

Statutory Bodies e.g. IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority)

Social Organizations

Lawyers

Local Administration

Media

General Public

Auditors

RELATIONSHIP WITH SIGNIFICANT PUBLICS

Significant internal publics of the organization are its




44

Employees

Employees¶ families; and the

Staff unions.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

In most Indian organizations, or companies, communications with employees have so far

been given a back seat as compared to external communications. This has not been the

case with LIC. It has through time realized the importance of its internal publics.

LIC shares a good rapport with its employees. There are various staff unions to take care

of the employees rights. The company shares a cordial and harmonious relationship with

these unions.

The company¶s focus, as regards its employees, is on providing:

A healthy working environment;

Employee friendly HRD policy;

Job security;

Training of Human resources;

Fully utilizing its people¶s talents and capabilities to promote skills and competencies and

broaden their perspective;

Handsome remuneration and perks.

The company achieves the above objectives by a number of means.

I. HOUSE JOURNALS




45

The corporation has a corporate house magazine µYOGAKSHEMA¶ which chronicles

corporate and organizational events and pronouncements.

The corporation also releases a quarterly newsletter µJANKALYAN¶ which serves the

above mentioned purpose as well as acknowledging employee achievements and produce

merit lists of employee performance.

A news letter NILYAMDOT COM is also published by the corporation which is

developed by the children of the LIC employees and is exclusively for children.

II. INTERACTION

The corporation also conducts open houses, meetings, seminars, workshops. This is done

with the aim of facilitating two-way communication.

III. REWARDS

Prizes are awarded to top performers at staff meetings and conferences. Rewards are

given in the from of holiday, a family trip or some monetary gain.

CONSUMER RELATIONS IN LIC

In consonance with the changes taking place in the insurance market, the corporation has

undergone a transformation, simultaneously requiring a revamp in its image. Systematic




46

and focused PR initiatives and widespread publicity have resulted in markedly improved

visibility. The corporation has emerged with a much younger and sleeker image.

A conscious effort was made to bring about a transformation in the corporate image.

Through various campaigns, the corporation tried to depict the organization as one

oriented towards the younger generation.

The corporation advertising campaigns assisted the marketing strategies.

PR Activities for Consumer Relations

The business of insurance is purely service which cannot be seen or held. Hence, the

consumer relations activities of LIC concentrate on the customer public and building

relations with prospective customer.

The corporation has time and again made endeavors to reach out to the consumers,

interact with them and keep them satisfied.

The corporation tries to achieve its objective through a number of means

Oral Communication

Oral communication with the consumer public is the most effective means of

presenting facts and creating understanding of the organization¶s policies and practices.

Employee-Consumer Communication:

The harmonious relationship that LIC has, through the years , built and maintained with

its customers has only been possible due to its dedicated and committed team of

Development Officers and scores of Insurance Agents throughout the country.

Press Conferences




47

Press Conferences are organized to announce new appointments of top executives,

introduction of new schemes, etc. It is very important in today¶s world because Now ± a ±

days people are being aware about the appointment procedure of different companies and

consumer are also getting educated day by day because of which it becomes necessary for

the companies to keep press conferences.

Audio-Visual Communication




48

Television and Radio broadcasts are a basic medium of consumer communication. Now ±

a-days it gaining a lot of importance.

Television and Radio advertising

The corporation¶s advertisements reached nearly 25 crore people through over 50campaigns. There were 79 hours of TV advertising and 408 hours of Radio advertising.

Trans-slides

The Corporation has placed trans-slides at strategic places, like Railway Stations and

Airports, for maximum exposure to public at large.

Printed Communication

At LIC printed communications are used in conjunction with oral communication media.




49

Press Release

Press releases are frequently handed out to the media by the local PR department on

behalf of the company. These generally comprise of any subject or issue concerning the

company, containing information for policy holders or any item of news value to the

media and its readers.

Journals and Publications

The corporation takes out its annual working results and several other publications from

time to time to keep the public abreast of the happenings and achievements at LIC.

Financial Results




50

The annual financial report of the corporation is published in the National dailies and is

also circulated amongst the shareholders to keep them informed. It also aims at attracting

new investors.

Booklets, Brochures and Pamphlets

Booklets, Brochures and Pamphlets are generally taken out to inform its internal and

external public about its various new schemes and act as an effective medium of print

communication.

Posters and Hoardings

These tools are not only an advertising medium but also a very effective PR tool. LIC

uses posters and hoardings to get quick public notice. Posters and hoardings are widely

placed throughout the city at busy intersections like subways, railway stations, roadsides,

bus shelters, etc.

Other Amenities Provided by LIC

Website

The Corporation¶s website www.licindia.com gives information about the corporation¶s

products, services, subsidiaries and addresses of branches and about premium payment

through the internet. It also provides

y Press releases

y News sections

y Online policy status

Online Premium Payment




51

LIC has tied up with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, UTI Bank, Bank of Punjab, Global Trust

Bank, Corporation Bank, The Federal Bank Ltd., Citibank, and service providers like Bill

Junction.com, timesofmoney.com to offer the online premium payment facility to its

customers in select cities.

Information Kiosks

The corporation has installed online information kiosks at prominent places across the

country. This provides information about the Products, services and policy status reports

to the customers.

Customer Contact Programme

The purpose of such a campaign is µto strengthen the relationship with the customers and

to build bridges of understanding.

CONSUMER RELATIONS IN LIC

In consonance with the changes taking place in the insurance market, the corporation has

undergone a transformation, simultaneously requiring a revamp in its image. Systematic

and focused PR initiatives and widespread publicity have resulted in markedly improved

visibility. The corporation has emerged with a much younger and sleeker image.

A conscious effort was made to bring about a transformation in the corporate image.

Through various campaigns, the corporation tried to depict the organization as one

oriented towards the younger generation.

The corporation advertising campaigns assisted the marketing strategies.

PR Activities for Consumer Relations




52

The business of insurance is purely service which cannot be seen or held. Hence, the

consumer relations activities of LIC concentrate on the customer public and building

relations with prospective customer.

The corporation has time and again made endeavors to reach out to the consumers,

interact with them and keep them satisfied.

The corporation tries to achieve its objective through a number of means

Oral Communication

Oral communication with the consumer public is the most effective means of

presenting facts and creating understanding of the organization¶s policies and practices.

Employee-Consumer Communication:

The harmonious relationship that LIC has, through the years , built and maintained with

its customers has only been possible due to its dedicated and committed team of

Development Officers and scores of Insurance Agents throughout the country.

Press Conferences




53

Press Conferences are organized to announce new appointments of top executives,

introduction of new schemes, etc. It is very important in today¶s world because Now ± a ±

days people are being aware about the appointment procedure of different companies and

consumer are also getting educated day by day because of which it becomes necessary for

the companies to keep press conferences.

Audio-Visual Communication




54

Television and Radio broadcasts are a basic medium of consumer communication. Now ±

a-days it gaining a lot of importance.

Television and Radio advertising

The corporation¶s advertisements reached nearly 25 crore people through over 50campaigns. There were 79 hours of TV advertising and 408 hours of Radio advertising.

Trans-slides

The Corporation has placed trans-slides at strategic places, like Railway Stations and

Airports, for maximum exposure to public at large.

Printed Communication

At LIC printed communications are used in conjunction with oral communication media.




55

Press Release

Press releases are frequently handed out to the media by the local PR department on

behalf of the company. These generally comprise of any subject or issue concerning the

company, containing information for policy holders or any item of news value to the

media and its readers.

Journals and Publications

The corporation takes out its annual working results and several other publications from

time to time to keep the public abreast of the happenings and achievements at LIC.

Financial Results




56

The annual financial report of the corporation is published in the National dailies and is

also circulated amongst the shareholders to keep them informed. It also aims at attracting

new investors.

Booklets, Brochures and Pamphlets

Booklets, Brochures and Pamphlets are generally taken out to inform its internal and

external public about its various new schemes and act as an effective medium of print

communication.

Posters and Hoardings

These tools are not only an advertising medium but also a very effective PR tool. LIC

uses posters and hoardings to get quick public notice. Posters and hoardings are widely

placed throughout the city at busy intersections like subways, railway stations, roadsides,

bus shelters, etc.

Other Amenities Provided by LIC

Website

The Corporation¶s website www.licindia.com gives information about the corporation¶s

products, services, subsidiaries and addresses of branches and about premium payment

through the internet. It also provides

y Press releases

y News sections

y Online policy status

Online Premium Payment




57

LIC has tied up with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, UTI Bank, Bank of Punjab, Global Trust

Bank, Corporation Bank, The Federal Bank Ltd., Citibank, and service providers like Bill

Junction.com, timesofmoney.com to offer the online premium payment facility to its

customers in select cities.

Information Kiosks

The corporation has installed online information kiosks at prominent places across the

country. This provides information about the Products, services and policy status reports

to the customers.

Customer Contact Programme

The purpose of such a campaign is µto strengthen the relationship with the customers and

to build bridges of understanding.

FINANCIAL RELATIONS IN LIC

There are quite a few financial publics of LIC.




58

Government Agencies

Banks and Financial Institutions

Statutory Bodies e.g. IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority)

Auditors

To communicate with them and to keep them informed of the company¶s progress several

activities are undertaken by the PR Dep¶t.

The Annual General Meeting

The Annual Report

The annual report is released annually to inform all publics of the company¶s working

results.

Chairman¶s Statement

The chairman¶s statement is a comprehensive guide to what the company is and where it

strives to be. It comprises of the corporation¶s corporate vision, philosophy and policies,

management contributions, future plans and a host of other such important aspects.

COMMUNITY REALTIONS IN LIC

LIC regularly provides µHealth vans¶ to various organizations across the country. The

corporation also sponsors many sports events at the national level. Numerous publicity

projects with a social purpose are undertaken at the zonal level.

Recently the North Zone (Delhi) associated itself with the µPerfect Health Mela¶ to

propagate the cause of good health.

AIM OF CORPORATE RELATIONS FULFILLED AT LIC

The aim of any organization is to create for itself:




59

A. CORPORATE IDENTITY

B. CORPORATE IMAGE

C. CORPORATE CITIZEN

A. CORPORATE IDENTITY

Image Communicators/ Identity Creators

Company Logo

The company¶s logo has become synonymous with insurance and security in India . It

helps to identify the company easily.

Sign-up Line

µWe Know India Better¶ is the sign up line of LIC

Company Publications

The company has a host of publications that comprise of in-house

journals, external newsletters, annual reports, etc.

Citizens Charter

The company philosophy goes a long way in creation of harmonious

relations with its publics. The citizen¶s charter is a comprehensive

statement of the company¶s philosophy towards its publics.




60

B. CORPORATE IMAGE

The above listed image communicators have been very successful in creating a corporate

image of LIC in the minds of the people over the years since its establishment.

C. CORPORATE CITIZEN

With all its PR initiatives and activities, since its establishment, LIC has proved to be a

successful corporate citizen.

Corporate Policy of LIC on Public Relations




61

Public Relations aims at building-up and maintaining sound, effective and productive

relations with the public so as to help the organization to understand and interpret the

environment as also help the public and the society at large to appreciate the performance

and limitations of the organization. Public Relations has the responsibility to build and

maintain two-way relations between the Public and the Organization at all levels.

The Public in the case of LIC includes:

A. Levels of employees and agents.

B. Customers.

C. Government: Central, State & Local bodies.

D. Media, Press, T.V., Radio & Agency-owners and

correspondents and

E. Citizens at large.

A clearly laid down Public Relations Policy, therefore, is essential to set the goals,

indicate the strategies and give proper direction to all levels in the area of Public

Relations.

Mission

Establish understanding and develop awareness of mutual aspirations of LIC and the

Public.

Goals




62

1. Promote within the Corporation greater awareness of the changing environment and

he need to align the corporate policy to the emerging situation.

2.Help fashioning, within the constraints, its policies,programmes, practices and

Products to meet the expectations of the Public. Help the public to appreciate the

Performance andthe limitations of LIC.

3. Make PR occupy the front seat in the organizational set-up.

Strategy

1. Develop excellent relations with the totality of the media-print,electronic and agency

owners and reporters by regular exchange of information with them.

2. Establish relations-and develop understanding with the Govt. -Central, State & Local

bodies through legislators and Govt. officials.

3. Develop full understanding with the workers-employees at all levels and agents on

Organizational goals, policies, practices and programmes.

4. Develop an effective system of communication with the departments and operating

units on the environment and on implementation of policies.

5. Build an atmosphere of goodwill and understanding inside and outside the organization

leading .to better appreciation of the corporation's policies and performance.

6. Help to evolve effective machinery for quick and satisfactory redressal of grievances

of the public.

7. Help to develop an image of LIC as a responsive organization,




63

8. Devise methods for opening up channels of two-way communication with various

publics of the Corporation.

Action Plan

1. Keeping the objectives, philosophy and the strategies in view, drawing-up annual PR

plans by Branches, Divisions, Zones & Corporate Office.

2. Develop an effective system of periodical reviews of PR Plans at all levels - B.O.,

D.O., Z.O. and Corporate.

3. Develop streamlined methods of systematic dissemination of the information relevant

to each of the publics.

4. Develop streamlined methods of receiving messages/feedbacks from the totality of the

publics.

5. Formation of PR Advisory Committees at D.O., Z.O. and C.O.organize PR

departments in the C.O., Z.O.s and D.O.s for realization of the goals, and develop a

nucleus in branches also.

6. Organize events like inauguration of new B.O., D.O., Z.O. or any arm of the

Corporation (diversification) etc. as public functions to project corporate image.

7. Actively participate in at least one important scheme in each of the States and in two

or three national level schemes to help improve the quality of social life and establish

the social relevance of LIC.

8. Develop a task-plan in respect of the above strategies.




64

Public Relations Activities at L.I.C.

PRESS CONFERENCE

Press conference & interview are arranged periodically by all L.I.C. offices - i.e. ,

Central, Zonal, Divisional and Branch offices at the time of launching any new scheme

and to inform about the policies , programmes and activities to the press so that it can be

publicized.

LIC WEB SITE

LIC has its own web site Licindia.com which provides information about LIC and its

subsidiaries and the products offered by them.

USAGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

With a view to providing quick and accurate service its Customers LIC has introduced

on-line service through front ± end terminals in 1993 branches and soon all our customers

will be able to benefit by this.

GREIVANCE REDRESSAL MACHINERY

LIC has established an elaborate Grievance Redressal machinery in order to deal with

problems of customers. The grievance redressal cells are operative at all levels i.e.

Branch, Divisional, Zonal and Corporate offices. Specially designated officers attend to

policyholder's complaints.

RALLY ORGANISATION




65

LIC has organized a massive rally to pay homage martyrs of Kargil to provide moral

support to the Indian army.

PR And Publicity Conferences

PR and Publicity Conferences arranged at the central office in which

the Chairman emphasized the need to reposition the organization the

organization in the emerging cooperative scenario with the help of

revised PR and publicity strategies because it was found out by a survey

that the level of customer satisfaction is not very high.

Claim review committees

A claims review committee was being formed at the corporate level with a retired Judge

as one of the members and it handles grievances arising out of repudiation of claims etc.

Similar committees are also constituted at Zonal level.

Press Releases

Press releases regarding important news are released from time to time so that people are

kept informed and they know about them.

Customer Meets

Periodical customer meets are organized at Divisional and Branch level to facilitate

greater interaction with policyholders.

Publicity Pavilion




66

Publicity Pavilion are arranged to display information about PR and Publicity activities of

LIC.

Consumers Affair Committee

A high profile committee has been constituted by the Central office with eminent persons

from the consumer¶s movement being its member to advice and guide LIC on maters

concerning consumer interests.

Exhibitions

LIC arranges its various schemes and exhibitions so that it can display its various

schemes and plans.

Citizens Charter

The corporation has adopted a Citizens Charter wherein commitments have been made to

its customers for higher standards in servicing.

Free Phone Call Facility to the Policy Holders

A unique facility of free phone call service is being provided to the policy holders of

Mumbai city to enable them to have easy access to grievance redressal officers over the

phone.

Sponsorship

LIC sponsors many events like chess tournaments table tennis

tournaments for the employees and also for the general public. It has

also sponsored a health camp organized by µ Masoom¶ ± an organization

of understanding and fraternity.




67

Distribution of Dairies and Calendars

LIC distributes dairies and calendars to its employees and also to the general public every

year.

Publicity Stalls

Publicity stalls are been put up by LIC at different fairs and melas to publicize the

corporation and its schemes and plans.

Public Functions

Inauguration of new offices helps in communication as well as in enhancing the image of

the corporation.

Advertisement in Newspaper and Magazine

Advertisement about LIC¶s products, activities and policies is published in newspapers

and magazines.

House Magazine ±Yogkshema

Yogkshema is the house magazine of LIC. It provides information about

the corporation, its activities, policies an programs.

Advertisement at Railway Station and Airport




68

Posters and banners are set up at strategically important public places such as Airports,

Railway stations, Bus terminals, shopping counters an at the reception counters of the

business premises. This enables the policy holders to access information about LIC & its

products etc.

Insurance Week

An insurance week was arranged by LIC through which people were exposed to various

insurance schemes of LIC.

Advertisement on Radio satellite channel

Advertisement about LIC are frequently been telecast on radio and satellite channel.

Advertisement at Kumbh Mela

LIC has also advertised about its products and the corporation even in Kumbh Mela.

Training Programmes

Training programmes are arranged by LIC for its employees so that they can be trained

for the purpose of public relation activities.

Meetings

Meetings of Development officers are arranged by LIC to train their employees for public

relation activities.

CONCLUSION




69

Public Relation came into existence by the belief that if we do something good for people

then only the people will say well about the organization. Today's is an age of

competition. And to remain firm in the competition depends on how efficiently the

Organization manages its PR & projects the company's image.

Public Relation will not sell goods and Services but it is bound to create an atmosphere

which will make the free enterprise, a responsible enterprise. Public Relations, in fact

Will prove to be the most effective tool for communicating with the

People who are still remote from industry for convincing them that

Corporate objectives are ultimately in the interest of the public.

The PR Mantra has now become pervasive. Neither a individual nor the organization &

not even the government Or a UN body can thrive or sustain in this age without

effectively strategizing PR.

Bibliography




70

y Principles of Public Relations.

- C.S. Rayudu.

- K.R. Balan.

y Hand Book of PR in India.

- D.S. Mehta.

y The Art and Science of Public Relations.

-

Anne Gregory.

Webliography

y LIC India.com

y AltaVista.com

y Find Articles.com

public+relations+in+lic+of+india 1

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