MUMBAI: The findings of the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) 2013 has been temporarily suspended. It was decided today when the Readership Studies Council of India (RSCI) and Media Research Users Council (MRUC) met to discuss the way forward for the IRS 2013 with all its stakeholders.

The IRS will be held in abeyance until 31 March, 2014, says the release issued by MRUC.

A process for re-validation of the study is being developed and shall be finalised by 24 February, 2014. The re-validation process will be completed by 31 March, 2014. Observations and recommendations arising from this process will be presented to RSCI by early April 2014. Once adopted, the recommendations will be formally incorporated into the future architecture of the IRS.

All subscribers and members will be immediately contacted by RSCI, MRUC and ABC to hold off usage of the study until the re-validation process is completed.

The move has come after 18 leading news publishers had questioned the findings of the survey earlier in the month.