Digital Time Vouchers

Context:  The Election Commission of India introduces digital time vouchers for political parties to avail airtime on Doordarshan and AIR. About DigitalTime Voucher:
  • A DTV is a digital token that represents a certain amount of airtime on Doordarshan or All India Radio.
  • These vouchers can be redeemed by political parties at designated Doordarshan or AIR centres in exchange for actual airtime.
  • Each political party shall be given time Vouchers of different denominations of, 5 minutes and 10 minutes, equal to the total time allotted to it for telecasts on Doordarshan and broadcasts on AIR. 
Significance:
  • This reflects the Commission’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of the electoral process and ease of all stakeholders.
Background:
  • The scheme was initially notified on 16th January 1998, and holds a statutory basis under Section 39A of the R.P. Act, 1951.
  • Equitable Base Time:
    • Each National Party and Recognized State Party receives a base time allocation.
    • The base time is distributed equally among the eligible parties.
    • The allocation is applicable to both DD and AIR.
  • Additional Time Allocation:
    • The additional time allotment is based on the parties’ poll performance.
    • Performance criteria: Last assembly elections in the respective states/union territories or the last general elections to the Lok Sabha.
    • Parties with better performance receive additional time.
    • The allocation is specific to DD and AIR.
News Source: PIB
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