ECI Grants Free Airtime to Parties via Digital Vouchers
Doordarshan, AIR to broadcast political content ahead of Assembly polls
- ECI issues digital vouchers for free airtime to parties
- Applies to five poll-bound states and one UT
- 45 minutes base time allotted on DD and AIR
- Extra time based on past poll performance
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd March: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has allotted digital vouchers to recognised national and state political parties, granting them free broadcast and telecast time on Doordarshan and All India Radio ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The move, issued under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, applies to elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
According to the ECI, each recognised party will receive a base allocation of 45 minutes of free airtime on both Doordarshan and AIR, to be broadcast on regional networks within the respective states.
Additional airtime will be granted based on parties’ performance in the previous Assembly elections.
The broadcast schedule will run from the publication of the final list of candidates until two days before polling. Time slots will be allocated through a draw of lots conducted at the state or UT level in the presence of party representatives and election officials.
Political parties have been directed to submit their content, including transcripts and recordings, in advance and in compliance with prescribed technical and content guidelines.
In addition to individual broadcasts, Prasar Bharati will organise panel discussions and debates on both platforms, allowing parties to nominate representatives for moderated discussions.
The initiative aims to ensure equitable media access for political parties and promote informed voter engagement during the election period.
