Arunachal govt assures Electronic Media Policy implementation in 6 months: NCP MLA

The issue of non-implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Electronic Media Advertisement Policy 2020 was raised in the Legislative Assembly today by newly elected NCP MLA Toko Tatung from the Yachuli Assembly constituency of Keyi Panyor district.

During the ongoing Budget Session, Tatung brought up a starred question on the fourth day of the Fourth Session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, highlighting the need for proper advertisement allocation to electronic and digital media houses in the state.

In response, Minister for Information and Public Relations (IPR) Nyato Dukam assured that the policy would be implemented within six months. He acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that the government is committed to ensuring fair advertisement distribution among media houses.

Speaking to India Today, Toko Tatung said, “I raised this concern to highlight the disparity in advertisement allocation. While print media houses have been receiving government advertisements since their inception, electronic and digital media have been consistently neglected in the state. Despite the Chief Minister’s approval of the policy in 2020, it has not yet been implemented by the IPR department.”

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Addressing the media, Minister Nyato Dukam clarified the status of the policy’s implementation. He stated, “The empanelment of media houses is a key issue, and other aspects are still in the process of being reviewed. Many media houses have not applied for empanelment, which has also contributed to the delay. However, I assure that the policy will be implemented within six months. The disbursement of advertisements will be done fairly, without any favoritism.”

The Arunachal Pradesh Electronic Media Advertisement Policy 2020 was introduced to support the growth of electronic and digital media in the state by providing a structured mechanism for advertisement distribution. However, its delayed execution has drawn criticism from media professionals and stakeholders who believe it is essential for ensuring financial viability and media freedom.

With the assurance from the government, electronic media houses in Arunachal Pradesh now anticipate the long-awaited policy’s implementation within the promised timeframe.