Press Club of Jammu Supports Call for DAVP Rates for J&K Newspapers
Jammu, Dec 17: The Press Club of Jammu (PCJ) has thrown its weight behind the longstanding demand of editors of major newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir for the implementation of Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) rates for government advertisements across all newspaper categories in the region.
In an official statement, PCJ President Sanjeev Pargal highlighted the persistent efforts of J&K’s media outlets to secure parity with other Union Territories (UTs) in terms of advertisement rates. “The demand for DAVP rates has been raised through various forums and, most recently, through a direct appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha,” Pargal stated.
He pointed out that while regional newspapers in other UTs benefit from DAVP rates, the media in Jammu and Kashmir has been excluded from similar entitlements. “This disparity has put newspapers in the region at a disadvantage, especially when they are already grappling with multiple challenges,” Pargal noted.
Endorsing the demands raised by newspaper editors and supported by media bodies such as the JK Press Corps, the PCJ president emphasized the critical need for government intervention. “Newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir are operating under extremely tough circumstances. The government must step up to support the industry, which plays a vital role in ensuring a free and fair press in the region,” he asserted.
Given that Jammu and Kashmir is now a Union Territory, Pargal argued that its newspapers should be treated at par with those in other UTs already benefiting from DAVP rates. “Such rates are essential for the growth and sustainability of the media industry here,” he said, expressing optimism that the government would soon take favorable action.
Pargal underscored that implementing DAVP rates would not only address the immediate financial hardships faced by media houses but also create a stable foundation for the industry’s long-term development. He expressed confidence that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha would address the issue promptly, ensuring equitable treatment for the region’s newspapers and strengthening the local media landscape.
The call for DAVP rate implementation is seen as crucial for the survival of the media in Jammu and Kashmir, which continues to operate under challenging conditions, reflecting the resilience and commitment of the press in the region.
