The Election Commission of India will take appropriate measures to monitor the prevalence of paid news during the campaigning process for the ensuing general elections in the state.
Addressing a workshop conducted in association with the media and on the issue of paid news, ECI director Akshay Rawat announced that a Media Certificate Monitoring Committee will work around the clock to review the news.
He said that all the rules were applicable to advertisements in the electronic media will also be applicable to the social media networks. Stating that media plays an important role in curbing irregularities in the election process, he sought co-operation from reputed media houses and channels in order to ensure that free and fair polls are conducted.
He requested the media to ensure that no debates or campaigns are either shown on televisions channels or reported about in newspapers 48 hours before the polling. He said that electoral malpractices could be eliminated with the active co-operation of the media.
Rawat also claimed that nearly 1,000 cases of paid news were reported during the last Assembly elections held in five states, including Delhi.
He said that the Election Commission had so far conducted 15 Lok Sabha and 348 Assembly elections in the country.
Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwarlal also addressed the workshop and appealed to the media to cooperate with the election machinery.
Earlier, Rawat also addressed a meeting with prominent non-governmental organisations. (INN)