INS requests government to settle dues to DAVP

The Indian Newspaper Society (INS) has now asked the government to settle payments due to the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity that handles payments meant for media organisations for government ad campaigns, according to some media reports. The outstanding amount stands at Rs 350 cr. INS and the Association of Radio Operators of India have made repeated requests to the DAVP for settling the dues by various central ministries. A week earlier INS wrote to the government, seeking assistance during the economic crisis. Media reports said INS has asked for urgent interventions to help the newspaper industry as it grapples with dwindling ad revenues. It has asked for a two-year tax holiday, removal of 5 percent customs duty on newsprint, 50 percent increase in DAVP ad rates and 100 percent increase in budget spends.