Guwahati, 23 March (HS): The Election Commission of India has issued directions for allotment of free broadcast and telecast time to recognized National and State political parties on Doordarshan and All India Radio ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The Commission, acting under Section 39A of the Representation of the People who isn't available this way Act, 1951, has distributed digital time vouchers through its IT platform to all recognized parties contesting in Assam.

According to the guidelines, the broadcast and telecast period will commence from the date of publication of the list of contesting candidates in each phase and continue until two days prior to polling. The schedule will be finalized through a draw of lots conducted at the State/UT level in the presence of party representatives and officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.

Under the scheme, each recognized political party has been allotted a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and All India Radio on regional networks within the respective states. Additional time will be granted based on the party’s performance in previous Assembly elections.

Political parties have been directed to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, ensuring strict compliance with prescribed guidelines. Recordings must meet technical standards set by Prasar Bharati and can be produced either in approved studios or at designated Doordarshan and AIR Kendras.

In addition, Prasar Bharati will organize up to two panel discussions or debates on both platforms, where each eligible party can nominate one representative to participate under the moderation of an approved coordinator.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash