The Election Commission has clarified situation regarding paid news and political advertisements on social media. As per the recent directive of the commission, Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC) will be constituted in lok Sabha constituency-wise.
The committee will comprise concerning constituency’s Returning Officer (RO) and ARO, who will be not below the rank of SDM.
The commission has clarified that RO can co-opt members in the committee from all districts in the lok Sabha constituency.
This will not only help elicit maximum suggestions, but representation of all districts will also be ensured.
The commission has also clarified regarding political advertisement. Now certification of political advertisements on social media has also been made mandatory.
Making structure of district-level MCMC for screening paid news, the commission has made it clear that its members will include district election officer (DEO), ARO (not below rank of SDM), an officer from Information & Broadcasting Ministry (if available in district), independent citizen/journalist recommended by Press Council of India (if not nominated by PCI) and District Public Relations Officers/District Information Officer will be its Member-Secretary.
Besides, a workshop of representatives of recognised political parties will be held on March 8 at CEO office at 4.30 pm. Deputy Election Commissioner of India Vinod Zutshi will participate in it. Three representatives each of six recognised political parties including Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress and Nationalist Congress Party have been invited to participate in the workshop.
Dy Election Commissioner to arrive in Bhopal today
Deputy Election Commissioner of India Vinod Zutshi will arrive at Bhopal in the afternoon of March 8. He will participate in a workshop of representatives of recognised political parties at CEO office at 4.30 pm. Zutshi will take stock of special camps at polling booths of Bhopal from 11 am on March 9. He will return to Delhi in the afternoon.