New Delhi, Mar 23: The Election Commission of India, under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, has issued directions for allotment of broadcast and telecast time to National and State recognised political parties on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The ECI said in a press note that digital time vouchers have been issued through the IT platform to all recognised National and State political parties across the five poll-bound States/UT for the Assembly elections.
The broadcast/telecast period will be scheduled between the date of publication of the list of contesting candidates in each phase and two days before the date of poll in the poll-bound States/UT. The actual broadcast/telecast will be scheduled in advance through a draw of lots at the State/UT level in the presence of authorised representatives of political parties and officials from the office of the respective State/UT Chief Electoral Officer.
Under the scheme, free broadcasting and telecasting facilities of a base time of 45 minutes have been allotted on both Doordarshan and All India Radio for each party, to be uniformly provided on the regional network within the State.
Additional time has been allotted to political parties based on their poll performance in the previous Assembly elections in the respective States/UT.
Political parties are required to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, strictly adhering to the relevant guidelines. Recordings may be made in studios meeting the technical standards prescribed by Prasar Bharati or at Doordarshan/AIR Kendras.
In addition to party broadcasts, Prasar Bharati Corporation will organise up to two panel discussions and/or debates on Doordarshan and All India Radio. Each eligible political party may nominate one representative for the programme, which will be moderated by an approved coordinator.
