Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Press Corps (JKPC) has voiced robust support for the initiative recently undertaken by the editors of major newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative involves an appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the adoption of DAVP rates for Government advertisements.
The editors’ request underscores a critical and long-standing issue regarding the mismatch in advertisement rates being offered by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in J&K. Currently, the rates provided by DIPR are seen as inadequate compared to those set by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) that are applied in other Union Territories like Delhi and Chandigarh.
In their statement, the JKPC backed the editors’ call, affirming the legitimacy of their concerns. The press organization stressed that the adoption of DAVP rates is not only reasonable but essential for the financial viability of the newspaper sector in the region.
“The newspaper industry is vital for the spread of information and the promotion of democratic values. Nevertheless, the current advertisement rates offered by the DIPR have posed significant challenges to the survival and expansion of media houses in Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement noted.
The JKPC further urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to promptly address this matter and align advertisement rates with the DAVP framework as has been successfully implemented in the Union Territories of Delhi and Chandigarh.
“We respectfully urge the Lieutenant Governor to take action and ensure the implementation of DAVP rates for advertisements issued by the J&K Government. This step will provide essential support to the media industry and foster a fair environment for its operation,” the JKPC stated.
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