Right now, India’s population is 1.3 billion, and as per studies, we are set to overtake China’s population by 2022, which is mere 5 years from now.
Despite such a huge surge and growth in India’s population rate, our Govt. believes that we are not ‘mature’ enough to digest an humble condom ad.
In a rare, unprecedented move seldom witnessed anywhere in the world, Information and Broadcasting Ministry has decided to ‘ban’ condom advertisements between 6AM and 10PM, to safeguard the interests of children and to protect them from indecent content.
I am actually baffled by this new diktat, and would share my personal opinion on this. But first, the actual news.
No Condom Ads Between 6AM and 10PM: Govt of India Order
Using an ancient protocol of Cable Television Network Rules of 1994, Information and Broadcasting Ministry has decided to ban all sort of condom advertisements on TV, between 6AM and 10PM.
In their advisory to all TV channels, the Ministry ordered them
“not to telecast the advertisements of condoms, which are for a particular age group and could be indecent/inappropriate for viewing by children”.
They have cited Rules 7(7) and 7(8) of the Cable Television Network Rules of 1994, according to which TV programs which “endanger the safety of children or create in them any interest in unhealthy practices” cannot be allowed to broadcast.
Although this is an ‘advisory’, but the Ministry has clearly said that in case of non-compliance, “actions as per provisions of the rules” will be taken.
This ban comes into effect after ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India) requested the Govt. to ban such condom ads between 5AM and 11PM, as they have received several complaints from parents, who think that such advertisements can negatively affect a kid.
Thankfully, Govt. relaxed 2 hours from this request, and decided to place the ban between 6AM and 10PM.
The advisory has been sent to ASCI, TV channels, and the News Broadcasters Association and Indian Broadcasting Foundation as well.
Our Opinion: This Is A Ridiculous Ban
Cold drinks kill around 2 lakh people every year, and encourages diabetes and other diseases among children. Several reports have claimed that consuming cold drinks is very dangerous for humans, and it should be actually banned. But we all know the intensity of cold drink ads on TV and radio.
Hollywood superstar Pierce Brosnan is repeatedly seen endorsing Pan Bahar, a pan-masala which can cause oral cancer and is considered a dangerous commodity. But we all have to endure Pierce Brosnan, selling poison right on Prime Time TV.
We all know why companies create ‘soda water’ advertisements.. This is a form of surrogate advertisement, as direct advertisements of liquor is banned. Liquor companies have created look-alike brands of soda water, and even music CDs and well, these ads are perfectly fine.
Condom advertisements are a reminder that usage of condoms can prevent sexually transmitted diseases, and control population explosion in a country where majority of men still detest using it.
Compared to advertisements of cold drinks, Pan masala and ‘soda water’, condom ads are much more beneficial and relevant for India, at this moment. Controlling the flow of information and creativity has always proved to be harmful for any society.
At a time when a kid can access literally any type of content at the single tap on the mobile phone, banning condom ads and relegating them between a set time period seems ridiculous to say the least.
Do you think Govt. has done the right thing by banning condom ads? Do let us know by commenting right here!