The Full Form of DAVP is‍ Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity.

The Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP) is the nodal agency to undertake multi-media advertising and publicity for various Ministries and Departments of Government of India. Some of the Autonomous Bodies also route their advertisements through DAVP. As a service agency, it endeavours to communicate at grass roots level on behalf of various Central Government Ministries.

The origin of DAVP can be traced to the times of World War-II. Immediately after the out-break of Second World War, the erstwhile government of India appointed a Chief Press Advisor. Besides other things, advertising was also the responsibility of the Chief Press Advisor. A post of Advertising Consultant was created in June 1941 under the Chief Press Advisor. This is where DAVP has its roots. On March 1, 1942, the Advertising Consultant Office became the Advertising Branch of the Department of Information & Broadcasting. Following the expansion in its scope, functions and activities, this Advertising unit was declared an Attached Office of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on October 1, 1955. The office also assumed the name of Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity(DAVP). DAVP was further declared as Head of a Department on April 4, 1959. By virtue of this declaration, financial and administrative powers were delegated to DAVP.

Our Role :

DAVP has been working as a catalyst of social change and economic growth over the years. It has been instrumental in creating awareness amongst masses on socio-economic themes, seeking their participation in developmental activities and for eradication of poverty and social evils.

• 1. To perform the functions of a multi-media advertising agency for the Central Government.
• 2. To act as service agency for Central Government ministries/departments to meet their publicity needs including production of media inputs as well as dissemination of messages/information.
• 3. To help Central Government departments in formulating communication strategies/media plans and help implement them at the grass-root level by providing multi-media support.

The channels of communication used are :

• 1. Advertisements – Release of press ads
• 2. Exhibitions – Putting up exhibitions
• 3. Outdoor Publicity – Display of hoardings, kiosks, bus panels, wall paintings, cinema slides, banners etc.
• 4. Printed Publicity – Booklets, folders, posters, leaflets, calendars, diaries etc.
• 5. Audio & Visual Publicity – Spots/Quickies, jingles, sponsored programmes, short films etc.
• 6. Mailing of publicity material – Distribution of publicity material
• 7. Digital media publicity through Bulk SMS website and other emerging Media.