Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar today asked Multi-System Operators (MSOs) to ensure that they carry TV channels as per the norms, including the mandatory Doordarshan channels.
In a meeting here, Javadekar told the MSOs that the norms should be followed regarding carrying of channels and added that the ministry would take action in case of violations.
He also raised the issue of two channels -- ABN Andhra Jyoti and TV9 -- being off air in Telangana for some time and said that the guidelines should be followed.
Earlier, the issue pertaining to these two channels came up in Rajya Sabha where Javadekar said that the government could not indulge in any censorship of the kind and there was not even a single MSO which could do so.
He also told the House that the law was equipped to deal with situations.
"We have already issued show-cause notices. Under the provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, MSOs are granted permission by the ministry to operate in DAS notified areas under certain terms and conditions.
"If the MSOs in DAS notified areas violate any of the terms and conditions, the ministry can suspend or revoke the licence, registration of MSOs under Section 4(7) of the Cable Act," he had told the House.
Javadekar had told Rajya Sabha that he would try to resolve the issue related to the non-carriage of the two channels in Telangana in his meeting with the MSOs.
