A delegation of Association Of Small & Medium Newspapers Of India met Smt. Ambika Soni, Union Minister of I & B, at her office Shashtri Bhawan New Delhi on 12th June 2009. Delegation raised the problems of small & medium newspapers before the minister. Delegation demanded to simplify media form of davp and annual return of r n i, withdrawal of Annexure 12 of davp and Annexure 10 from r n i for those small & medium newspapers who do not have there own printing press, abolish 15 percent commission from davp advertisements, 50 percent share of advertising budget to small & medium newspapers, release orders of advertisements and payments should be made by post manually to those newspapers who are not getting facility of internet due to remote areas, advertisement of public interests like consumers forum and health should be given to the newspapers not only of metros but also to the newspapers of small town, rural and remote areas, to direct Police Commissioner of Delhi and District magistrates of all states not to violate the provisions of PRB Act at the time of filling the requisite letters for title and declarations of the newspapers. Delegation also demanded to review the press council act for its constitution and make necessary amendments in the act through parliament.<br><br> Minister of B Smt Ambika Soni & I told the delegation that government is very serious about the problems of small & medium newspapers and will do the needful. She told that the violation of expression of freedom of the press would not be tolerated at any cost. She directed the officers to take appropriate action and put up report. She gave sufficient time to the delegation and discussed every point. Joint Secretary Smt. Stuti Kakar was also present at the meeting. The delegation was much assured and satisfied. Mr Keshav Dutt Chandola (President) and Mr. Ashok Chaturvedi (General Secretary) gave a momento to the minister. Delegation included President Keshav Dutt Chandola, followed by General Secretary Ashok Chaturvedi, Arif Jamal, Sanjiv Jain, Rahul Jain, Akhilesh Shukla and B.R. Kumar.
K.D.Chandola, President Association of Small and Medium Newspapers of India.
