New Delhi, Mar 23 (TNT: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued digital time vouchers to recognised national and state political parties for availing free broadcast and telecast slots on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) in view of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The facility, provided under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, covers elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
According to the Commission, digital vouchers have been distributed through an IT platform to all recognised political parties across the five poll-bound States/UT, enabling them to utilise the allotted airtime.
The broadcast and telecast window will commence from the date of publication of the list of contesting candidates in each phase and continue up to two days before polling. Scheduling of slots will be done in advance through a draw of lots at the State/UT level in the presence of party representatives and election officials.
Each party has been allotted a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and AIR on regional networks, with additional time granted based on their performance in previous Assembly elections in the respective States/UT.
Political parties have been directed to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, adhering to prescribed guidelines. Recordings may be carried out at studios meeting technical standards set by Prasar Bharati or at Doordarshan and AIR Kendras.
In addition, Prasar Bharati will organise up to two panel discussions or debates on Doordarshan and AIR, with each eligible party permitted to nominate one representative.
TNT TS
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