How Are Parties Utilizing Digital Vouchers for Free Broadcast Time on DD and All India Radio in Bihar Polls?
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Synopsis
Political parties gearing up for the Bihar Assembly elections are now empowered with digital vouchers for free broadcast time on Doordarshan and All India Radio. This initiative by the Election Commission of India aims to enhance electoral campaigning and voter outreach, ensuring that every party has a fair platform to present its promises.
Key Takeaways
- Digital vouchers enhance electoral campaigning for Bihar Assembly elections.
- Each party receives 45 minutes of free broadcast time.
- Guidelines ensure fair broadcasting across all parties.
- Additional time may be granted based on past performance.
- Transcripts and recordings must meet strict standards.
New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) As the electoral campaigning intensifies ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has, on Thursday, distributed digital vouchers to various national and regional parties for complimentary telecast time on the major national broadcasters – Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR).
These digital vouchers enable political parties (both national and recognized state parties) to access a limited amount of ‘free time’ on state-owned television and radio channels, aiding them in campaigning and reaching out to the electorate regarding their respective electoral promises.
All national and state political parties contesting in Bihar's Legislative Assembly elections have received these digital time vouchers under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
According to the policy, each party has been allotted 45 minutes of free broadcasting and telecasting time on both Doordarshan and All India Radio, uniformly distributed across the regional network of the state.
Additional time may be allocated to parties based on their performance in the previous Assembly elections.
The ECI has set forth guidelines stating that, “The broadcast/telecast period will be arranged between the announcement of the list of contesting candidates for each phase and two days before the polling date in Bihar. The actual schedule for broadcast/telecast will be conducted through a draw of lots in the presence of authorized representatives of the parties and officials from the CEO’s office in Bihar.”
Political parties are required to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, ensuring compliance with relevant guidelines, and recordings must be produced in studios that meet the technical standards set by Prasar Bharati.
As per an ECI announcement, “The Prasar Bharati Corporation will conduct up to two panel discussions and/or debates on Doordarshan and All India Radio for Bihar. Each qualifying party can nominate one representative for the event, which will be moderated by a designated coordinator.”
Point of View
I believe that empowering political parties with digital vouchers for broadcasting is a crucial step towards enhancing democratic engagement. This initiative not only provides equal footing for all parties but also strengthens the electoral process by ensuring that voters are well-informed about their choices.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are digital vouchers in the context of Bihar elections?
Digital vouchers are provided by the Election Commission of India to political parties, allowing them to access free broadcast time on national channels like Doordarshan and All India Radio for their campaign.
How long is the free broadcast time allotted to each party?
Each political party is allotted 45 minutes of free broadcasting and telecasting time on Doordarshan and All India Radio.
What is the purpose of these digital vouchers?
The purpose of these digital vouchers is to facilitate political parties in reaching out to voters and communicating their electoral promises effectively.
Are additional broadcast times available to parties?
Yes, additional broadcast time may be provided to parties based on their performance in the previous Assembly elections.
What guidelines must parties follow for their broadcasts?
Political parties must submit transcripts and recordings in advance and adhere to the technical standards set by Prasar Bharati.
