The controversial advertisement featuring a former Pakistani air chief was among four ads released to a newspaper to commemorate National Girl Child Day that cost the government around Rs 11 lakh.
This was disclosed by women and child development minister Krishna Tirath in the Rajya Sabha today.
Replying to questions, Tirath said an inquiry has been set up by her Ministry to look into the "inadvertent lapse" of printing the picture of former Pakistan air chief Tanvir Ahmed along with that of prime minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on January 24.
"The Ministry has released four half-page advertisements in The Times of India Delhi edition on the occasion of National Girl Child Day as per advertisement policy of government through DAVP. The total cost of these advertisements was Rs10,90,136," she said.
On the terms of reference for the inquiry, she said the panel has been asked to probe into the sequence of events starting from reception of proposal for special advertisements, preparation of design, layouts and the actual handing over of the approved design to DAVP for release of the advertisement.
It will also inquire the reasons which led to theinclusion of the former Pakistan Air chief's picture in the advertisement and those responsible for the lapse.
The panel will find out whether the lapse was" inadvertent or otherwise", Tirath said, adding the role and responsibility of the Ministry and that of DAVP in the whole issue would be inquired into. It will look into the existing procedures in the Ministry for preparation and release of advertisements.
It will also suggest remedial measures to prevent such lapses in future.
The inquiry report is yet to be submitted to the Ministry, she said.
