The Election Commission of India (ECI) has allocated broadcast and telecast time to recognised National and State political parties on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The Commission, exercising its powers under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, has issued directions in this regard.
According to an official statement, digital time vouchers have been provided through an IT platform to eligible political parties across the five poll-bound States and Union Territory.
The broadcast and telecast period will commence from the date of publication of the list of contesting candidates and continue until two days prior to the polling date in each phase. The schedule for telecast will be finalised in advance through a draw of lots at the State or UT level, in the presence of authorised party representatives and officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
Under the scheme, each recognised political party has been allotted a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and AIR on regional networks.
Additional airtime will be granted based on the party’s performance in the previous Assembly elections in the respective State or UT.
The Commission has directed political parties to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, in compliance with prescribed guidelines.
Recordings can be produced either at studios meeting Prasar Bharati’s technical standards or at Doordarshan and AIR Kendras.
In addition, Prasar Bharati will organise up to two panel discussions or debates on Doordarshan and AIR. Eligible political parties will be allowed to nominate one representative each for these programmes, which will be moderated by an approved coordinator.
