New Delhi: You switch on any channel on Cable TV – entertainment,news,films etc. and you are guaranteed to watch a Patanjali product ad. ‘modeled’ by Guru Ramdev himself .
“Chemical cosmetics have completely spoiled ‘Aishwarya’s’ ( telling choice of name!) complexion! Use only Patanjali skin care creams for healthy, glowing skin…”
or,
“Stop buying polluted and expensive Honey – purchase only Patanjali Honey – ghee – milk powder etc. etc.”
They have covered almost the entire gamut of edibles, cosmetics, toothpaste etc. etc.
Well – beware! Not all these claims are true or come with any sort of proof!! That is what the government has found out…
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) found more than 500 instances of advertisements in electronic media that were making misleading, false, and unsubstantiated claims. ASCI also found that 25 out of 33 advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved violated the ASCI code.
Misleading advertisements are a cause of concern for gullible consumers as well as Government. Unfortunately such ads are becoming common thing these days in both in newspapers and magazines and specially on TV. Even the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Government of India has info. on a large number of instances of misleading advertisements in various media. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), a voluntary self-regulatory body of Advertisement Industry has been appointed by the government as their executive arm to process complaints received about such misleading advertisements. As per information shared by the government in the Lok Sabha, between 2013 and 2016, ASCI found more than 500 instances of misleading advertisments on Television that were making misleading, false and unsubstantiated claims. Among the complaints received 33 advertisements have been aired by Patanjali Ayurved Limited out of which 25 were found to be violating the ASCI code.
25 advertisements of Patanjali were found to be violating ASCI code
As per data shared by the government in the Lok Sabha, complaints have been received against 33 advertisements of Patanjali Ayurved Limited during April 2015 and July 2016, appearing in various media such as TV, Print and Product packaging and in various sectors such as Food and Beverages, Personal care, Health care etc.
A total 17 advertisements out of 21 advertisements complained against, were found to be in violation of ASCI code for self-regulation of advertising content while the remaining four product packaging claims were not found to be in violation of ASCI Code.
Six (6) product packaging communications out of 8 complaints were considered to be in violation of ASCI code. Two (2) TV advertisements out of 4 complaints were considered to be in violation of ASCI code. In all, 25 out of the 33 advertisements were found to be violating ASCI code.
For instance, one of the advertisements about Patanjali Dant Kanti was found to be misleading since there was no scientific data to prove the claims.
