New Delhi:
The Supreme Court today issued strict new rules for what is permissible as government publicity and advertising, warning that taxpayers' money should not be squandered on political mileage. Sources in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, however, point out that the new BJP administration has spent 40 per cent less on advertising than the previous Congress-led government.
Government ads are placed through the Department of Audio and Visual Publicity (DAVP), located within the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Parliament was told recently that while the government's ad spend was 1,250 crores in 2013-14 fiscal year, the total dropped to 780 crores in 2014 15.
"That's because many of our ads have now moved to the social media platform,' said a senior official who did not wish to be named. The earlier government, he said, would run full page ads that could cost up to six crores a day; now, social media is being used to communicate policies with the government, he claimed.
The Supreme Court today said that only photos of the Prime Minister, President and Chief Justice of India can feature in government ads - and their approval must be sought.
The court banned images of Governors and Chief Ministers, as well as party symbols in ads. The new rules come as the Modi government is prepping to mark its first year in office. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is receiving thick files from ministries detailing their achievements for consideration for advertisements. Today's judgement could alter plans significantly.
Leaders of different parties today said they disagree with the court's verdict. A committee created by the Supreme Court earlier to get parties' feedback was told by most politicians that ministers' photos should be included in government ads because they are identified with the schemes being promoted.
Among the examples that was debated by the committee of three members, which held workshops and discussions with politicians and others in cities including Bengaluru and Delhi, was an ad that used Rahul Gandhi's photo to highlight the UPA government's commitment to legislation like the Food Security Act. At the time, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had reportedly consulted Attorney General GE Vahanvati and shared its concerns about the ad's bragging rights for new laws.