As a small step towards state funding of elections, the Election Commission has decided to allot free campaign time to recognised political parties on the electronic media through the public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati Corporation, for the coming Assembly elections in Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand.

All national and recognised regional parties will be treated at par and given a base time of 45 minutes each. Additional time will be allotted on the basis of performance in the last Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. However, a single broadcast session cannot exceed 15 minutes. Apart from this, the Prasar Bharati will also organise two panel discussions or debates on Doordarshan and AIR. Each eligible party will be represented by a nominated speaker on these debates.

However, the Prasar Bharati will have to get the EC’s approval for moderators of such panel discussions.