The Election Commission of India (ECI) has allocated free broadcast and telecast time to recognised political parties on public broadcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio ahead of upcoming Assembly elections.
The facility has been extended to parties contesting in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Key Highlights
- Digital vouchers issued to national and state parties for free airtime
- Minimum 45 minutes allotted on both Doordarshan and All India Radio
- Additional time based on past electoral performance
- Broadcast period to run until two days before polling
- Panel discussions and debates to be organised by Prasar Bharati
Digital System for Airtime Allocation
The Commission has introduced digital time vouchers through an online platform to streamline the allocation process.
These vouchers enable recognised parties to access scheduled broadcast slots on public media channels during the election period.
Official Statement
The ECI said the initiative is part of its mandate under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to provide equitable access to media for political parties during elections.
The aim is to ensure transparency and a level playing field in campaign outreach.
How the Broadcast System Works
Each recognised party will receive a base allocation of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and All India Radio.
Additional airtime will be granted depending on a party’s performance in previous Assembly elections.
Broadcast schedules will be decided through a draw of lots at the state or Union Territory level, conducted in the presence of party representatives and election officials.
Parties must submit pre-recorded content and transcripts in advance, adhering to technical and content guidelines set by public broadcasters.
Public Debates and Discussions
In addition to individual broadcasts, Prasar Bharati will organise panel discussions and debates featuring representatives from eligible political parties.
These programmes aim to provide voters with diverse viewpoints on key issues.
Context and Background
Free airtime on public broadcasters is a long-standing mechanism to ensure that smaller and regional parties can communicate with voters without incurring high campaign costs.
The introduction of digital vouchers reflects an effort to modernise the process and improve efficiency.
Public Impact
The initiative is expected to give voters access to a wider range of political views through trusted public platforms.
It also helps ensure fair campaign opportunities, particularly for parties with limited financial resources.
Conclusion
By combining digital allocation systems with traditional broadcast platforms, the ECI aims to strengthen transparency and fairness in election campaigning.
The move is likely to play a key role in shaping voter awareness ahead of the Assembly elections.
Source: PIB
Last Updated on: Monday, March 23, 2026 3:52 pm by Monisha Angara | Published by: Monisha Angara on Monday, March 23, 2026 3:52 pm | News Categories: Delhi
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