Government says it is working to put in place a legal framework to control misleading advertisements.

Addressing a function on Self Regulation of Advertising Content in New Delhi today, the Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said that her Ministry is working with the Consumer Affairs and Health Ministry to put in place the framework.

She said that it will be a comprehensive and effective mechanism to curb all objectionable advertisements.

Stressing the need for greater self regulations in media and entertainment, Mrs. Soni said that such mechanism needs to be constantly evolved according to the changing aspirations of consumers.

She also urged the Advertising Standards Council of India, ASCI to reduce the time taken in addressing consumer complaints against misleading advertisements.

Mrs. Soni called for greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of all government and private sector organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, Consumer Affairs Minister K V Thomas noted that the health and nutrition related advertisements blatantly violate rules and regulations.

He said that his Ministry is considering a proposal to set up an independent regulator to certify all health related advertisements.