In a temporary arrangement, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has decided to grant an interim hike of 19% in the existing rates for the advertisements released by the Directorate of Audio-Visual Publicity (DAVP) in the print media, till a committee appointed by it, finalizes new rates.
I&B Minister Manish Tewari underscored that DAVP's print media advertisement policy mandates constitution of Rate Structure Committee (RSC) every three years for consideration of revision of rates. The Minister highlighted that while the rates recommended by sixth Rate Structure Committee (RSC) were effective for a period of three years up-to October 14 this year and the seventh RSC, which was constituted in the Ministry on May 31, would soon submit its recommendations.
He, however, added that the validity of last rate card was effective only upto October 14, 2013 and the Ministry had received representations for grant of interim relief to meet the pending revision of rate card. However, this proposal for grant of an interim hike was considered by the I&B Ministry in consultation with Finance ministry and concurrence of the Election Commission.
