The Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalist Association (JKYJA) has written an open letter to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, alleging a major disparity in the distribution of display (colour) advertisements by the Department of Information and Public Relations Department.
The letter alleges that only 5 to 6 ‘favorite’ dailies are issued full page, half page and quarter page colour display advertisements on a regular basis while on the contrary, most of the newspapers are not issued even a single colour advertisement so far.
“It is worth to be mentioned that, most of the newspapers in Kashmir valley by this policy of DIPR have reached the verge of closure. The ironic part is when officials are contacted in this regard they either deny to talk or put the fault to higher authorities of this segregation,” the letter reads.
At the end of the letter, JKYJA requested Manoj Sinha to generously investigate the matter with extraordinary subtleties in order to end this disparity for the sake of strengthening the fourth pillar of democracy.
Pertinently, a number of selected dailies over the last two months in Kashmir Valley are seen displaying full-page advertisements issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations Department.
Here is the full text of the letter:
His Excellency
Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor
Jammu and Kashmir
Mr Manoj Sinha Ji
Subject: Disparity in the distribution of display (colour) advertisements by Department of Information and Public Relations Department
Greetings
With due regards and reverence, the Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalist Association (JKYJA) firstly acknowledging your work, watchful methodology of administration during the pandemic, wholeheartedly compliment your commitment.
Secondly, we would like to bring your notice to the fact that there is a massive disparity in the distribution of display (colour) advertisements by the Department of Information and Public Relations, especially from the last two months.
It has been reported that only 5 to 6 ‘favorite’ dailies are issued full page, half page and quarter page colour display advertisements on a regular basis while on the contrary most of the newspapers are not issued even a single colour advertisement so far.
A number of associate members of JKYJA and other owners and editors of different newspapers reported to this office that from last two months when there is a high flow of display advertisements particularly related to COVID 19, only 5 to 6 newspapers are issued these advertisements repeatedly, while a majority of newspapers with the reasons known to officials only are barred from these advertisements.
It is worth to be mentioned that most of the newspapers in Kashmir valley by this policy of DIPR have reached the verge of closure. The ironic part is when officials are contacted in this regard, they either deny to talk or put the fault on higher authorities of this segregation.
A rough survey conducted by the JKYJA suggests that almost 98% of the display advertisements over the years are issued to only these five to six newspapers, which reflect a clear case of discrimination.
Considering the above-stated facts, your good self is requested to generously investigate the matter with extraordinary subtleties in order to end this disparity for the sake of strengthening the fourth pillar of democracy.
With high hopes and regards
Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalist Association