Govt considering to raise DAVP ad rates

Government today said it was considering to increase the advertising rates issued by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) within a fortnight following demands from the newspaper industry due to rising inputs costs.     

"I am aware of the difficulties being faced by the newspaper industry on account of rise in the prices of newsprint and the need for an upward revision of advertisement rates of DAVP," Minister of Information and Broadcasting P R Dasmunsi said in a statement.     

The minister said consultations were being held with the industry in order to bring out a finality to the proposals.     

"To address the issue, I am currently in the process of consultations with the stakeholders to give a final shape to the measures for providing relief to the newspaper industry." It is expected that necessary changes in the DAVP Advertisement Rates policy guidelines could be effected within a fortnight.     

As per the advertisement policy of 2006, all empaneled newspapers are required to enter into a rate contract, which will be valid for a particular circulation and a period of 3 years.      

DAVP is the nodal agency of the Government of India for advertising by various Ministries and organisations of Government of India, including public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies.     

Government advertisements are not intended to be financial assistance to newspapers or journals.