Now Reading: TV channels told to display drug abuse warning disclaimer
-
01
TV channels told to display drug abuse warning disclaimer
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory asking all private satellite television channels to regularly display a disclaimer against drug abuse during the telecast of all programmes, including general…
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory asking all private satellite television channels to regularly display a disclaimer against drug abuse during the telecast of all programmes, including general entertainment and non-news content. The disclaimer reads: "Illicit narcotics destroy health and guarantee imprisonment. Say no to drugs."
The ministry said the advisory is a public awareness measure aimed at sensitising viewers, especially the youth, about the harmful effects of drug abuse. It noted that television remains one of the most widely accessible mediums, and broadcasters can play an important role in reinforcing responsible social messaging.
Channels have been told to display the disclaimer in a clear, legible and prominent manner at appropriate intervals. The advisory warned that abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances poses serious social, economic and behavioural consequences.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The I&B Ministry's advisory adds television to the growing list of media platforms required to carry anti-drug messaging, following similar mandates for cinema halls and OTT platforms. India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act already prescribes strict penalties, but the government has been amplifying awareness campaigns amid rising concerns about drug use among young adults. The move comes as the ministry also tightens rules on surrogate advertising for substances like alcohol and tobacco. Broadcasters now face compliance costs for inserting the disclaimer without additional revenue. The next test will be enforcement: how the ministry monitors compliance and what penalties it imposes on non-compliant channels.
Source: deccanherald.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
