The State Government has spent Rs 1.10 crore between 2010-11 and 2012-13 for Atithi Devo Bhavoh programme advertisements in TV channels, revealed RTI documents.
The RTI document revealed that three Odia TV channels, ETV, OTV and Kanak TV were given money for production and telecasting of Odisha Toursim Ad films/ slots in their local network in the approach of Incredible India Atithi Devo Bhavoh.
According to the RTI revelations given by the Tourism and Culture Department Public Relations Officer on June 23, the objective of the programme is to educate the service providers like taxi rickshaw puller, hawkers etc as well as general public while dealing with visitors and tourists.
“It also targets public on preservation and protection of historical site and monuments. This programme was conceptualised on the basis of the Incredible India Campaign of Atithi Devo Bhavoh,” the RTI statement revealed.
“OTV, ETV, Kamayab, Kanak and Naxatra Tv channels had applied for the programme. All five bidders were selected in technical bid and called for presentation before the selection committee on February 4, 2011. Out of five bibbers, ETV, OTV and Kanak TV were present for discussion. The Committee recommends ETV for Rs 25 lakh package, OTV for Rs 20 lakh package and Kanak TV for Rs 10 lakh package in for production and telecasting of Odisha Toursim Ad films/ slots in their local Odia TV Network in the approach of Incredible India “ Atithi Devo Bhavoh.”
Rights activist Pradip Pradhan had sought the information.