Guwahati, July 22: Taking a break from signing files and attending sundry meetings, the state civil service officers today launched a first-of-its-kind public relations exercise to change the ?discouraging? perception outsiders generally have about Assam.

Initiated by the Assam Civil Service Officers Association (ACSOA) as part of its two-day 58th annual conference that got under way at the Staff Administrative College here, the association is tapping its peer associations from outside, members of which attended a national-level seminar and the executive body meeting of the All India Federation of State Civil Service Association (AIFSCSA) at a daylong programme.

The ACSOA said the thrust would be on breaking the mental block of their peer groups by taking them in and around the city, making them interact with the local populace to give them a first-hand feel of the ground realities.

A PowerPoint presentation on the state of affairs and a get-together showcasing the cultural mosaic of the state have also been lined up as part of this first-ever PR exercise.

The seminar, Improving delivery systems and role of civil service officers, was inaugurated by minister and a former ACS officer Ripun Bora, who lauded the role of the association which he said had an important role to play in the state?s development. The top brass of AIFSCSA also participated.

The ACSOA is convinced that tapping its peer groups would help change the mindset of the common man and moneybags in their states. This would help to improve the investment climate in Assam particularly in sectors such as tourism, power and retail sectors.

Representatives of West Bengal, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Bihar are also participating. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi will attend the concluding function tomorrow.