Hyderabad: BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan criticised the GO 84 outdoor advertisement policy introduced by the Government of Telangana, alleging that it could severely affect the outdoor media industry.
He said the decision appears to benefit a few large companies while threatening the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the sector. Representatives of the Telangana Outdoor Media Owners Association met Sravan on Saturday and explained the challenges they face due to the government order. According to the MLC, the policy could destabilise the outdoor advertising sector across the state.
GO 84 outdoor advertisement policy threatens small agencies
Sravan said nearly 400 agencies currently operate in the outdoor media sector. However, he warned that the GO 84 outdoor advertisement policy could push many small agencies out of business. He claimed the policy would benefit only three or four large companies.
According to him, around one lakh workers depend directly on the outdoor advertising industry. Additionally, nearly five lakh people rely on the sector indirectly for their livelihoods.
Sravan also criticised the proposal to cancel nearly 3,000 advertisement displays and billboards across the state. He said such a move would harm small agencies and reduce government revenue generated through advertisement permits.
The MLC alleged that the government introduced the policy to favour a few companies linked to the ruling leadership. Furthermore, Sravan raised concerns about environmental violations connected to certain installations. He alleged that large LED advertisement boards had been installed near Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park.
According to him, these installations violate environmental regulations and guidelines issued by the High Court. He also warned that such LED boards could pose risks to wildlife in the surrounding areas.
Sravan accused the government of attempting to hand over an industry worth hundreds of crores to a limited group of companies. Therefore, he urged the government to revise the order immediately. He also called on authorities to protect small agencies and the families dependent on the industry.
Finally, the MLC warned that affected stakeholders may approach courts if the government fails to amend the policy.
