NEW DELHI: The News Broadcaster Association today urged the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to ensure that digital access systems are put in place by 1 July as announced earlier.

Endorsing the Ministry‘s move, it said there were certain rumors that seemed to suggest that there may be an extension of the implementation date of DAS.

‘The NBA, however, believes that the government would continue with its determination and assurance that the date will be adhered to.

The NBA Board, which met today, lauded the Government‘s move to usher in digitisation with effect from 1 July in the four metros.

"This puts India on the global map, provides for significant transparency and enables the Government to enhance its revenues by way of income tax, service tax and entertainment tax. Importantly from the news broadcasters‘ point of view there is a significant ray of hope with the potential reduction of carriage and ban on placement fees, both of which have crippled the industry," the NBA said in a statement.