Haryana govt sets up committees for monitoring cable content

Haryana government has constituted district-level monitoring committees under the Cable Television act that would provide a forum for the public to lodge complaints regarding content aired on the network.
Each of the district magistrates would be the Chairman of the respective District Monitoring Committee, set up under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, an official spokesman said here today.
The spokesman said that other members of the Committee include the Superintendent of Police, principal of one of the women's colleges in the district, to be selected by the district magistrate, among others.
He said that the Committee would provide a forum where the public may lodge a complaint regarding content aired on cable television and take action on the same as per the procedure prescribed.

Besides, it would also review the action taken by Authorised Officers for enforcement of the Act.
The Committee would immediately bring to the notice of the state and Central governments if any programme is affecting public order or spreading widespread resentment in any community.

Moreover, it would also keep a watch on the content carried by cable television channels at local levels and to ensure, through Authorised Officers, that no unauthorised or pirated channels are carried and local news, if aired, by the cable television operator is restricted to information about local events and is presented in a manner which is balanced, impartial and not likely to offend or incite any community.

He said that the Committee would also monitor the availability of free-to-air channels and channels notified for mandatory carriage on the cable network.
While enumerating the details of the procedure to be followed for handling cases, the spokesman said, a complaint cell headed by a nodal officer at the district level would be established and wide publicity be given regarding the constitution of Monitoring Committee and procedure followed by it, including putting it on the website of the state.