Chandigarh, March 13: The Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab, Sibin C, has constituted state-level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and Certification of Advertisement Committee as per the directions of the Election Commission of India. 

He stated that he formed a six-member committee for MCMC, while the Certification of Advertisement Committee will have four members. Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sibin C, will chair the MCMC, and Additional Chief Electoral Officer Abhijeet Kaplish will serve as the Member Secretary. A DG/ADG level officer, nominated by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), will serve as  the Nodal Officer. The other three members include the Assistant Director of CBC Chandigarh, Baljit Singh, the Observer appointed by the Election Commission of India for Anandpur Sahib Parliamentary Constituency,  and a member nominated by the Press Council of India, Vinod Kohli.

Similarly, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Abhijeet Kaplish will chair the Certification of Advertisement Committee.  The other members include  Assistant Director of CBC Chandigarh, Baljit Singh, a DG/ADG level officer nominated by Press Information Bureau , and the returning officer of Fatehgarh Sahib Parliamentary Constituency.

Sibin C announced that the MCMC Committee will handle cases related to appeals against the orders of District Level Media Certification and Management Committee (MCMC) and Additional/Joint CEO Committees on certification of advertisements. It will also review all cases of paid news upon appeal against the decision of District Level MCMC and all cases in which the respective Returning Officer is directed to issue notices to the candidates.

On the other hand, the Certification of Advertising Committee will deal with the applications by political parties and organisations, relating to advertisements.

Sibin C has announced the establishment and active operation of the State Level Media Monitoring Cell for several days.  He mentioned that the cell closely monitors television news channels, print media, social media platforms, and websites in preparation for the Lok Sabha Elections, 2024.  Following the imposition of Election Code of Conduct, activities in the State Media Monitoring Cell will be significantly intensified.

It is noteworthy that the State Media Monitoring Cell, through the officials of Information and Public Relations Department and skilled social media experts, diligently monitors all newspapers, news channels, social media platforms, and websites to ensure adherence to the instructions and regulations set forth by the Election Commission of India. Moreover, it serves as a pivotal hub for disseminating crucial information and updates related to the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 to the media. This communication will persist after the implementation of the Election Code of Conduct also.