Document aired programmes, DC tells Cable operators

August 31 last date to submit documents

Deputy Commissioner Dr N S Channappa Gowda has directed all the cable TV network units operating in Dakshina Kannada, to submit all the details pertaining to their operations by August 31.

Chairing the committee meet, constituted under Cable Television Netwrok (Regulation) Act 1995, he said that as per the Act, committees have been constituted at the state and district-level to look into the content of programmes aired by the cable operators in the interest of the public.

The meeting decided to appoint a nodal officer by opening a complaint addressal centre to receive petitions from the public. The meeting also decided to open similar centres at the taluk-level. All the cable operators should document all the programmes aired by them and submit to the Deputy Commissioner, when asked for.

The district-level committee will be headed by Deputy Commissioner. City Police Commissioner, SP will be its members along with Principal of Women’s College, NGO working towards the welfare of children, educational expert, psychologist, sociologist, NGOs working for the welfare of women. Information department Senior Assistant Director will be its member secretary.

Functions

The Committee will look into any complaints related to the airing of programmes in cable television.

Any programmes which hurt the sentiments and engage in disturbing peace in the society should be brought to the notice of the Centre and State governments
. Those who violate the code of conduct will be punished as per Section 11 of the Act. As per the Act, City police Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police are the authorities who can initiate legal action.

Additional DC K A Dayanand, Education expert Prof A M Narahari, Balmatta Women’s College Principal Tara Rao, Mahendramani Rao, Vamanjoor Dharmajyothi Institute Director Sr Dafney D’Souza and others were present.