The Hindu Business Line : House panel seeks more funds for ads, publicity

In its report on the working of the DAVP, tabled by the Committee's Chairman, Mr Somnath Chatterjee, in the winter session of Parliament, the House Panel said that that the body does not have sufficient funds even to publicise the aims and objectives of an important policy document like 10th Five-Year Plan.

"Neither has the 10th Five-Year Plan been translated nor its summary brought out in various Indian languages to make the people aware of the priorities of the Government due to shortage of funds even though the Plan commenced in April 2002."

The committee was "perturbed to learn" from the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) that it was easier to get funds for visible items like equipment, buildings, etc., but extremely difficult get the same for publicity of important events.

It suggested that adequate funds be allocated to the DAVP as per estimates submitted by the Ministry of I&B to the Planning Commission and Ministry of Finance.

There should be sustained and long-term planning to publicise programmes of the Ministries to make the people aware of them and ensure their co-operation and participation.

The entire publicity at the national level for various media units under the Ministry of I&B should be planned well in advance, in consultation with the Ministries concerned, and taken up with the Plan panel for release of sufficient funds.

Because of bulk buying of space/slot for publicity, DAVP rates are very competitive and the advertisement rates are about 40 per cent lower than the commercial rates.

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