Srinagar, Dec 16: The Jammu Kashmir Press Corps (JKPC) has backed the recent appeal by editors of leading newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir. The editors have urged Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sin-ha, to implement Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) rates for government adver-tisements.
The editors’ appeal highlights a long-standing issue about the low advertisement rates offered by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in Jammu and Kashmir, which are lower than the DAVP rates used in other Union Territories like Delhi and Chandigarh.
In a statement issued today, the JKPC strongly endorsed the editors’ demand, acknowledging the va-lidity and urgency of their concerns. The press body underlined that the adoption of DAVP rates is not only justifiable but also essential for the financial viability of media houses in the region.
“The newspaper industry plays a pivotal role in disseminating vital information and upholding demo-cratic values. However, the current advertisement rates offered by the DIPR present significant chal-lenges to the survival and growth of media outlets in Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement reads.
The JKPC further urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to act swiftly in addressing this issue and align the advertisement rates with the DAVP structure, which has been successfully implemented in Delhi and Chandigarh.
“We respectfully urge the Lieutenant Governor to intervene in this matter and ensure the implemen-tation of DAVP rates for advertisements issued by the J&K Government. This crucial step will provide much-needed relief to the media industry and foster a fair and supportive environment for its contin-ued growth,” the statement concludes.
