KD NEWS SERVICE
Srinagar, Aug 19: Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPIM) leader and former legislator MY Tarigami has written to the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking an exemption from the suspension of government advertisements to newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
“With the MCC in place for the upcoming polls, the suspension of government ads has dealt a severe blow to the already struggling print media industry in the region,” he said in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar.
Tarigami highlighted that the print media fraternity had endured significant financial losses during the recent Parliamentary elections, when the ads were stopped during the MCC imposition.
He emphasized the critical role of a vibrant and functional media in a democracy, particularly during the electioneering process.
Tarigami stressed that releasing government advertisements would not only provide much-needed relief to the print media but also ensure their sustainability.
The CPI (M) leader urged the ECI to consider the severe impact of the MCC on the print media industry and requested an exception to permit advertisements distribution at the earliest. He expressed hope that the ECI would generously consider and approve his request, enabling the print media to continue playing its vital role in society.
Tarigami’s appeal comes at a crucial time when the print media industry in Jammu & Kashmir is reportedly facing unprecedented “financial challenges.”
The exemption sought by the CPI (M) leader is seen as a lifeline for the struggling print media outlets in the region.
Meanwhile, the news papers owners and editors have hailed the CPI (M) leader’s gesture terming it the representation of the genuine concerns of the print industry.
“The CEC should accord a favourible consideration to the plea made by the CPI (M) leader which reflects the demands of the newspaper institutions. The print industry has already suffered much during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections because of a long duration code of conduct and now with the process for assembly elections already set in motion is bound to inflict more losses to the print industry in Jammu and Kashmir,” observed Syed Basharat Bukhari, Editor-in-Chief Kashmir Despatch.
Bukhari also extended gratitude to Mr. Tarigami for highlighting the sufferings of the newspaper owners of Jammu and Kashmir at this stage.
