Modi govt spent over Rs 35 cr to advertise achievements

DAVP provides details of ads issued in 11,236 newspapers in response to RTI query; says none were issued under UPA-II

The Narendra Modi government spent Rs 35.58 crore on advertisements in print media, highlighting its achievements after it completed two years in power in May, an RTI query has revealed.

RTI activist Anil Galgali had sought information on expenses incurred by the Centre for publishing advertisements in leading newspapers across the country on its second anniversary on May 26, 2016.

The Public Information Officer of Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) Rupa Vedi provided the details about advertisements issued in 11,236 newspapers, including those in regional languages.

According to the information furnished by DAVP, the sum was spent under various heads pertaining to Transforming India, Vikas ki Raftaar, Badhha Karobar, Jan Jan Ka Uddhaar and NDA goverment Two Years.

In another query in the RTI, Galgali had sought details of advertisement expenses incurred by the Manmohan Singh government on its second anniversary.

The DAVP said there was none.

"Please be noted that no advertisement campaign was undertaken by the DAVP on the completion of two years of the Manmohan Singh government," reads the reply.

Meanwhile, Galgali has written to PM Narendra Modi requesting him to make these expenses public by putting the information on its website like it did in the case of various foreign trips.

" It would be extremely welcoming that if his government follow the policy of austerity and does not indulge in wasteful expenditures," said Galgali.