Kumar Bahukhandi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering. Modi reportedly ranked first in the Central government’s internal assessment of Union ministers’ social media performance across Instagram, X and Facebook. (Photo: Fil
Internal assessment measures ministers’ digital reach and engagement across Instagram, X and Facebook
IN Short
- Review covered social media activity between May 1 and August 15
- Prime Minister Modi generated the highest traction in the assessment
- Performance was measured through reach, engagement and digital outreach—not merely follower numbers
- Ministers were encouraged to use Instagram reels and other youth-focused formats
- Exercise reflects the government’s growing emphasis on connecting with Gen Z
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ranked first in the Central government’s internal assessment of the social media performance of Union ministers, according to people familiar with the exercise.
The findings were presented during the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Modi on Wednesday August 19, 2026 . The assessment examined the digital performance of ministers across Instagram, X and Facebook between May 1 and August 15.
Modi emerged at the top based on the traction generated by his social media content. The evaluation was not determined solely by the number of followers held by individual ministers. Digital outreach, audience engagement, visibility and the overall reach of posts were among the principal factors considered.
During the Cabinet meeting, ministers were reportedly briefed about their individual performance and the reach generated by their posts across the three platforms.
Greater Focus on Connecting With Gen Z
The review comes as the government places greater emphasis on strengthening its digital communication, particularly with younger citizens. Social media has increasingly become an important channel for explaining government policies, highlighting welfare programmes and establishing direct communication with the public.
Modi had earlier urged his ministerial colleagues to expand their presence on Instagram and make greater use of contemporary formats such as reels. The objective was to present government initiatives in a concise and accessible manner capable of attracting younger audiences.
The assessment signals that ministers will increasingly be judged not merely by their presence on digital platforms but by their ability to generate meaningful public engagement. It also reflects the government’s wider effort to communicate with Gen Z through the platforms and visual formats they use most frequently.
