New Delhi: In a move aimed at strengthening the regulation of programmes and advertisements on private satellite TV channels, the Government of India has included the Department of Consumer Affairs in the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) tasked with monitoring violations of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The decision follows a partial modification of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s Order No. 28011/02/2021-BC.III dated July 14, 2021.
The IDC was originally set up to address complaints and violations concerning the Programme and Advertising Codes outlined under the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995. Given the growing importance of consumer-related issues within the framework, the government has now incorporated the Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, into the committee. This inclusion is expected to enhance the IDC’s ability to address concerns related to consumer protection in television content and advertisements.
The expanded committee will continue to include representatives from several key ministries, including Women & Child Development, Home Affairs, External Affairs, and Defence, alongside industry bodies such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
This move highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that TV content and advertisements adhere to ethical standards while protecting consumer interests.
