India Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issues anti-drug TV advisory

The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued an advisory directing private satellite television channels to prominently display disclaimers regarding the harmful effects of drug abuse. The directive aims to prevent the inadvertent normalization or glamorization of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in media content.

Broadcasters are instructed to include the message: ‘Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.’ The advisory applies to general entertainment and non-news programming, rather than being limited strictly to shows depicting substance use. While the ministry has not mandated a specific frequency or duration for these disclaimers, it requires that they be clearly legible and displayed prominently to ensure viewer comprehension.

The move follows existing regulatory frameworks, such as those used for anti-tobacco and anti-alcohol messaging. The ministry emphasized that television's extensive reach makes it a vital tool for public health messaging, particularly to address the social and economic consequences of narcotics among young people.