New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued digital time vouchers to all National and State-recognized political parties in Bihar, enabling free broadcast and telecast on Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections. The move has been made under Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The allotted broadcast and telecast period will run from the publication of the list of contesting candidates in each phase until two days before polling. The actual schedule will be determined through a draw of lots conducted in the presence of party representatives and officials from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar.

Each party will receive a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and AIR, uniformly distributed on the regional network. Additional time will be allotted based on the party’s performance in the previous Bihar Assembly elections. Political parties are required to submit transcripts and recordings in advance, ensuring compliance with Prasar Bharati’s technical standards. Recordings can be made in studios meeting the required specifications or at Doordarshan/AIR Kendras.

Prasar Bharati will also organize up to two panel discussions or debates on Doordarshan and AIR, with each eligible party nominating one representative to participate. The programmes will be moderated by an approved coordinator, ensuring fair and structured dialogue among parties.

This initiative seeks to provide an equal platform for political communication, enhancing transparency and voter awareness ahead of the Bihar elections.

BI Bureau