Question : ADVERTISEMENT ARREARS

(a) whether the Government has huge financial obligation to the public broadcaster (Doordarshan) for airing commercial advertisements of various public industries and departments;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has requested the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) for clearing the above dues and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to put any restrictions on television commercial advertisements of various departments/organizations and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE ( INDEPENDENT CHARGE ) OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Prasar Bharati has informed that various Central and State has total outstanding dues to the tune of Rs. 79,66,30,752/- to Doordarshan as on 31.05.2014.

(c): DAVP owes an amount of Rs.6,94,91,429/- to the public broadcaster (Doordarshan) and it pertains to the advertisement released in the last quarter of 2013-14. It is a normal process of bill settlement.

(d): No, Sir.