Jammu and Kashmir Overhauls Advertisement Policy: Distribution Now Tied to Newspaper Quality, Circulation, and Audience Demand in Major Transparency Push.
The Jammu and Kashmir Information Department has taken a significant step toward improving the quality and demand-based distribution of advertisements to newspapers.
According to sources, the department has decided to allocate advertisements based on the quality of newspapers. Factors such as printing facilities, office conditions, manpower, content quality, circulation, and audience demand will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure a fair and transparent process.
To implement this new system, a high-powered committee has been formed, headed by the Joint Director Information Kashmir. The committee has been tasked with collecting all relevant details and reviewing every aspect of the newspapers to assign appropriate grading. The Information and Public Relations Department has already begun regular monitoring to ensure the process is carried out effectively.
In a related development, the State Taxes Department has issued a fresh order (MIS/954-955-13/02/2025 ACSTK/) seeking detailed information from all printing presses in Kashmir. The order requires printing presses to provide written details regarding matters related to GST and printing.
A copy of this order is reportedly in the possession of the authorities. The State Taxes Department has given a short-term notice, binding concerned officers to submit all required details within just two days.
The issue of bias and impartiality in the distribution of advertisements has reportedly come to the attention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Following this, a decision has been taken at the Civil Secretariat to address and eliminate any favoritism or partiality within the Information and Public Relations Department.
Once the committee submits its report, advertisements will be allocated to newspapers based on their grading. The department has assured that the distribution process will be transparent, ensuring fairness and accountability in the allocation of government advertisements.
This move is expected to benefit newspapers that demonstrate high standards of quality and reach, while also fostering a more competitive and professional media environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
