Certification of ads necessary before 48 hours of polling: DC

Dharamsala, July 6

Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) Hemraj Bairwa said pre-certification was mandatory in last 48 hours before polling for publishing advertisements by political parties or candidates in the print media.

The MCMC is monitoring the advertisements of political parties, candidates, institutions or individuals without prior certification or paid news during the Dehra Assembly byelection.

He said as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), it is necessary to get pre-certification before broadcasting political advertisements. He said pre-certification is mandatory for electronic media, social media and bulk messages etc. At the same time, applicants can obtain permission by sending self-signed copy of advertisement-related information, audio-video file and script on the prescribed form.

For pre-certification from the district-level MCMC, one has to apply in the District Public Relations Officer’s office.

More information in this regard can be obtained by contacting the office on 01892-222319. The DC has urged all political parties, candidates and various organisations to strictly adhere to the instructions issued by the ECI.