(The Gist of PIB) Committee on Content Regulation in Government Advertising

[August-2020]

The Supreme Court mandated Committee on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA) has issued a notice to the Delhi Government on an advertisement of the Delhi Government which had appeared in newspapers on the 16th July, 2020.

The front page advertisement that was published in multiple newspapers across editions on July 16, publicised performance of Delhi government schools in Class 12 board exams. The advertisement also carries a photograph and quote of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
The committee has sought an explanation from the Delhi government within 60 days, explaining how this advertisement does not violate the Supreme Court guidelines of avoiding glorification of political personalities.
Committee on Content Regulation in Government Advertising (CCRGA)?
Under the Supreme Court guidelines of May, 2015, “the content of government advertisements should be relevant to the governments’ constitutional and legal obligations as well as the citizens’ rights and entitlements”.
Subsequently to Supreme Court directives of May, 2015, the Government of India in 2016 had set up a Three Member Body consisting of “persons with unimpeachable impartiality and who have excelled in their respective fields” to look into Content Regulation of Government funded advertisements in all media platforms.
The Committee is empowered to address complaints from the general public on violation of the Supreme Court guidelines and make suitable recommendations. It can also take suo-moto cognizance of any violation of the Supreme Court guidelines.
Presently the CCRGA is chaired by Shri Om Prakash Rawat, former Chief Election Commissioner of India.