Srinagar, December 16: The Jammu Kashmir Press Corps (JKPC) has expressed strong support for the recent initiative taken by editors of prominent newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir, wherein they have appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, for the implementation of DAVP rates for government advertisements.
The editors’ appeal highlights a long-standing and pressing issue regarding the disparity in advertisement rates offered by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K. The rates currently provided by DIPR are viewed as insufficient when compared to the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) rates adopted in other Union Territories, such as Delhi and Chandigarh.
In a statement, the JKPC endorsed the editors’ demand, acknowledging the factual nature of their concerns. The press body emphasized that the implementation of DAVP rates is not only justifiable but also critical for the financial sustainability of the newspaper industry in the region.
“The newspaper industry plays an essential role in disseminating information and strengthening democratic values. However, the existing advertisement rates offered by the DIPR have been a major challenge for the survival and growth of media houses in Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement reads.
The statement further urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take swift action in addressing this issue and to bring advertisement rates in line with the DAVP structure, as successfully implemented in Delhi and Chandigarh Union Territories.
“We respectfully request the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to intervene in this matter and ensure the implementation of DAVP rates for advertisements issued by the J&K Government. Such a step will provide much-needed relief to the media industry and create a fair and supportive environment for its functioning,” JKPC in the statement said.