(a) whether the Government has decided to make it mandatory for private channels to air social messages;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate a code of conducts for private channels in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P.R. DASMUNSI)
(a): No, Sir.
(b): Does not arise.
(c) & (d): The Government constituted a Committee to review the Programme Code and Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and rules framed thereunder and the Guidelines for certification of films prescribed under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The Committee has been given a mandate to prepare a draft Broadcast Code which includes the issue of airing social messages. The Committee has not yet finalized its report.