Arunachal's Assurance: Media Policy Overhaul on the Horizon

Arunachal Pradesh's Information Minister Nyato Dukam promised the assembly to fully implement the electronic media advertisement policy within six months. Despite initial implementation, funding remains an issue. The policy aims to regulate media growth, support journalists financially, and ensure fairness, with amendments pending funding availability.

The Arunachal Pradesh assembly received a significant promise from Information and Public Relations Minister Nyato Dukam, who assured that the electronic media advertisement policy would be fully implemented within six months following necessary modifications. This assurance was made during a discussion sparked by a question from NCP MLA Toko Tatung.

Minister Dukam detailed that while the policy has been initiated, the funding pattern poses challenges. The existing policy dictates that a separate fund be dedicated to the IPR Directorate quarterly, a step that has yet to be realized. The minister highlighted that the review process is ongoing, and amendments will align with the availability of funds.

Responding to further inquiries, Dukam disclosed that Rs 48 lakh has been allocated to digital and electronic media advertisements from 2020 to 2024. The original policy, introduced in 2020, was designed to regulate media expansion and support journalists financially, preventing practices like charging fees for news coverage. Dukam reiterated the government's commitment to executing the policy within the promised timeline.

(With inputs from agencies.)