EC constituted a committee to check the practice of paid news.

The Election Commission of India on 6th March has constituted Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at district and state-level, which will scrutinise all media within its jurisdiction to identify political advertisement in the garb of news. The news was confirmed by, EC Director General Akshay Rout. 

He said that Trends will be observed and reports will be compiled by the committee, which will give daily report on all advertising expenditure of a candidate, including suspected cases of paid news along with supportive documents.

“EC is committed to curb the practice of paid news which handicaps the democratic process the poll body has already sought to make the menace an electoral offence,” he said.  

Mr. Rout said that political parties and media groups had approached the Commission in the past requesting for strong steps against paid news. He mentioned that the Press Council of India also has well-drafted guidelines on the issue.

He sought the media’s support for conduct of free, fair, peaceful and transparent election as well as to ensure more participation of people. “Fair election is about ensuring a level playing field and keeping out undue influence.”

He said that display of election matter in electronic media during 48 hours before the poll is restricted under Section 126B of the Representation of the People’s Act.

Publicity material to be released by political parties on social media would also be covered under the Act. The contesting candidates would also have to submit the details of their accounts on social media while filing nominations, he said.

He clarified that if any other person has to carry out publicity campaign for a candidate or party on social media, in that case, such person would have to get an authorised certificate to this effect from such candidate or party.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/national-news/item/4396-ec-constituted-a-committee-to-check-the-practice-of-paid-news.html
Source: http://cablequest.org/news/national-news/item/4396-ec-constituted-a-committee-to-check-the-practice-of-paid-news.html