Context: 

The Election Commission of India introduces digital time vouchers for political parties to avail airtime on Doordarshan and AIR.

About DigitalTime Voucher:

• A DTV is a digital token that represents a certain amount of airtime on Doordarshan or All India Radio. 
• These vouchers can be redeemed by political parties at designated Doordarshan or AIR centres in exchange for actual airtime.
• Each political party shall be given time Vouchers of different denominations of, 5 minutes and 10 minutes, equal to the total time allotted to it for telecasts on Doordarshan and broadcasts on AIR. 

Significance:

• This reflects the Commission’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of the electoral process and ease of all stakeholders.

Background: 

• The scheme was initially notified on 16th January 1998, and holds a statutory basis under Section 39A of the R.P. Act, 1951. 
• Equitable Base Time:
  • Each National Party and Recognized State Party receives a base time allocation.
  • The base time is distributed equally among the eligible parties.
  • The allocation is applicable to both DD and AIR.
• Additional Time Allocation:
  • The additional time allotment is based on the parties’ poll performance.
  • Performance criteria: Last assembly elections in the respective states/union territories or the last general elections to the Lok Sabha.
  • Parties with better performance receive additional time.
  • The allocation is specific to DD and AIR.

News Source: PIB