Question : DOUBLE ENTRY ACCOUNTING SYSTEM IN PRASAR BHARATI

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to a report captioned `Prasar Bharati to streamline operations` appearing in the `Hindu` dated April 19, 2002;

(b) if so, whether Prasar Bharati have now decided to adopt double entry accounting system to streamline its operations;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether Prasar Bharati could not maintain transparency in financial matters in the past;

(e) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the extent to which the adoption of double entry accounting system is going to maintain transparency in its accounts?

THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) to (f): When All India Radio and Doordarshan were Central Government Departments, they followed the Government accounting system based on single-entry system. After establishment of Prasar Bharati as a statutory Corporation, it has been decided, with the approval of Comptroller and Auditor General of India, that Prasar Bharati would adopt the Uniform Format of Accounts for Central Autonomous Bodies, with suitable modifications as may be necessitated by the special features appropriate to Prasar Bharati. Adoption of the Uniform Format of Accounts, which is based on the double-entry system of accounts, will enable Prasar Bharati to maintain clarity in its accounts to the extent necessary for an autonomous organization in discharging its functions of a public broadcaster which is also engaged in commercial activities.