(a)whether the Government proposes to repeal the Prasar Bharati (PB)Act, 1990 in view of the
requests received in this regard;
(b) the objections raised against the said Act;
(c) the details of grievances of the employees of Prasar Bharati; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to redress the grievances of the
employees of Prasar Bharati in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI C.M.JATUA)
(a) No Sir.
(b) & (c) – A Federation representing mainly the Engineering and Programme staff of Prasar
Bharati have been demanding repeal of the Prasar Bharati Act in view of the developments
in Electronic Media in the recent years, marked by the presence of a large number of private
Television and Radio Channels and apprehension of financial unviability of Prasar Bharati.
They have also demanded for retaining of assets and employees with the Government. ‘Deemed
deputation’ status is not acceptable to them. Another Association representing mainly the
administrative staff have demanded upgraded pay-scales on par with the Programme and the
Engineering staff and are willing to be absorbed in Prasar Bharati if the upgraded scales
are given to them.
(d) The Group of Ministers on Prasar Bharati has been reconstituted recently to examine
various issue pertaining to Prasar Bharati.