The circular also stated that Standard Operating Procedure should be followed to release government’s advertisements as per the ‘laid-down guidelines’
Days after Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal ordered recovery of Rs 97 crore spent on publicity from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), fresh directives issued by the state government have ensured that advertisements issued by the Delhi government should not promote "political interests" of the ruling party.
A circular dated April 13, issued by the Directorate of Information and Publicity of the Delhi government, has directed all department heads to ensure that advertisements are presented in an "objective and fair" manner.
Last month, Baijal had ordered recovery of Rs 97 crore from the AAP, which was allegedly "splurged" by the city government on advertisements in violation of the Supreme Courts guidelines. The LG had also ordered an inquiry into the spendings on advertisements promoting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his party, and asked the Chief Secretary to fix responsibility.
The circular also stated that Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) should be followed to release government's advertisements as per the "laid-down guidelines".
"Keeping in view the budget allocation or funds availability, the department concerned should assess the expenditure involved in the proposed advertisement campaign. For this, the department should calculate the estimated total cost of the campaign with cost break-up format wise, while seeking the final approval of the design/script/media list from competent authority," the circular stated.
It has also asked the department heads to give break-up of cost of an advertisement campaign, while seeking final approval of design or script from the competent authority.
The circular stated that in case of large volume of advertisement campaigns, the assessment of such campaigns will be "necessary" at a later stage. It further read that in the selection of media outlets (print, electronic and outdoor), the factors including identification of targeted audience or the visibility of a media outlet for the effectiveness of the advertisement campaigns, should be taken care of by the department concerned.
Earlier, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had pulled by the AAP government for spending Rs 29 crore in releasing advertisements outside Delhi, which was "beyond its responsibility".
Following the LG's order, the AAP government had, on March 31, ordered an inquiry, including examining call details of the suspected staff, who might have "leaked" copies of the LG's order on recovery of Rs 97 crore from AAP.
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The circular also stated that Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) should be followed to release government’s advertisements as per the ‘laid-down guidelines’. “Keeping in view the budget allocation, the concerned department should assess expenditure.
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