Advocate Rapolu Bhaskar has submitted a comprehensive representation calling attention to rampant corruption and misuse of public resources in the name of advertising by certain authorities. Bhaskar highlighted the irregularities and lack of accountability in awarding advertising contracts, which have led to substantial financial losses and the exploitation of public assets. He urged immediate corrective measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient utilization of public funds.
In his representation, Bhaskar raised concerns about the opaque processes involved in awarding contracts for advertising on public infrastructure such as billboards, buses, and government-owned buildings. He pointed out that many contracts are awarded to private firms without competitive bidding or adherence to procurement norms. This lack of transparency not only results in inflated costs but also enables favoritism and collusion between officials and private entities. Such unethical practices undermine public trust in governance and divert resources meant for essential services.
Bhaskar also brought to light the issue of unauthorized advertising on public spaces, which deprives municipal bodies and state authorities of significant revenue. He noted that in many cases, private advertising firms exploit loopholes in regulatory systems, either underreporting revenues or failing to share the agreed percentage with the government. This unchecked exploitation of public assets results in a dual loss: reduced revenue for the government and visual pollution caused by unregulated hoardings and banners.
The representation further highlighted the absence of accountability mechanisms to monitor advertising revenue and expenditure. Bhaskar emphasized that the lack of proper audits and tracking systems has created an environment where malpractices can thrive unchecked. He called for an independent investigation to identify and penalize those involved in these corrupt practices, ensuring that public funds are recovered and redirected towards developmental initiatives.
Advocate Bhaskar proposed several reforms to address the issue effectively. He suggested implementing digital tracking systems to monitor advertising revenues in real time, ensuring compliance with revenue-sharing agreements. Additionally, he advocated for mandatory public audits of all advertising-related contracts and the establishment of a regulatory body to oversee advertising practices involving public assets. Such a body would be tasked with enforcing ethical standards, conducting periodic reviews, and ensuring that contracts are awarded through fair and competitive bidding processes.
Another critical recommendation was the introduction of public awareness campaigns about the legal frameworks governing advertisements on public properties. Bhaskar stressed that educating citizens about their rights and the responsibilities of authorities would encourage greater scrutiny and accountability in advertising operations.
Advocate Bhaskar’s representation aims to bring about a systemic change in how advertising activities are managed by public authorities. By addressing corruption and mismanagement, his proposals seek to ensure that public funds and resources are utilized efficiently for the welfare of citizens, rather than being siphoned off through unethical practices. This representation underscores the need for a robust and transparent framework to protect public interests and uphold the integrity of governance