THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING.
(SHRI C. M. JATUA)
(a) Yes Sir.
(b) A High Level Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of
Shri V K Shunglu to look into the issues relating to organizing and conduct
of Commonwealth Games Delhi, 2010, in its First Report on Host Broadcasting
to the Government has concluded that “action/inaction are strongly suggestive
of collusion between CEO, Prasar Bharati and DG:Doordarshan and the service
providers(s), SIS LIVE/ZOOM Communications.â€
Ministry had since examined the observations contained in the HLC report and
forwarded the detailed comments to the Cabinet Secretariat pointing out a number
of factual inconsistencies in the report. Subsequently, on the receipt of directions
of the Prime Minister through the Cabinet Secretariat following decisions have
been taken and actions initiated:
(i) The then Director General, Doordarshan Smt. Aruna Sharma was relieved of
her charge following the expiry of her tenure on 19.02.2011.
(ii) The Ministry Information and Broadcasting had sought the explanation
from Shri B S Lalli, CEO Prasar Bharati (under suspension), and the then Director
General, Doordarshan,, Smt. Aruna Sharma on each of the allegations made against
them in the report of the HLC.The explanations have since been received and
examined.Approval of competent authority is being obtained for further action.
(iii) Further, a copy of the report of HLC was sent to the Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) through Department of Personal & Training for further
action as deemed appropriate. After the approval granted by the Ministry,
CBI has since registered a regular case and initiated criminal investigation
against Shri B.S. Lalli, Shri Vasim Dahlavi of M/s Zoom Communication and others
under Section 120/B r/w 420 IPC r/w 13(2) r/w 13(1) (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
(c) Does not arise.
(d) The High Level Committee in its first report on Host Broadcasting has
estimated the cost of the production and coverage contract awarded to M/s SIS
live for Rs. 246 Crore, as below Rs. 100 Crores.The estimation has been made
on the basis on certain presumptions including the finding that the entire
contract had been sub-contracted to and performed by M/s ZOOM Communications
at a price of Rs. 177 crore. The report also brings out a number of shortfalls
and deficiencies in services provided by M/s SIS Live. In its recommendations
the Committee has stated that the excess amount paid to M/s. SIS Live be recovered.
Ministry had since examined the observations contained in the HLC report and
forwarded the detailed comments to the Cabinet Secretariat pointing out a number
of factual inconsistencies in the report. Subsequently, on the receipt of
directions of the Prime Minister through the Cabinet Secretariat payments made
to M/s SIS Live have since been reviewed by the Ministry in consultation with
Prasar Bharati. It has been intimated by Prasar Bharati that till date payments
of 60% (Rs. 147.60 Crore) of the total contract value (Rs. 246 Crore) have been
made to M/s SIS Live and 40% (Rs. 98.40 Crore) payments are left.Further
Performance Bank Guarantee equivalent to 10% of the contracted amount (i.e.
Rs. 24.6 crore) submitted by the entity, the validity of which was about to
expire on 31.03.2011 has also been got encashed by Prasar Bharati as there has
been a failure on the part of M/s SIS Live to perform their obligations under
the contract and because M/s SIS Live was found to be in default under the
contract. It has also been mentioned that recoveries amounting to 37.3% of the
contract value have to be made from the outstanding payments for various
shortfalls in services provided, towards payment of customs duty and liquidated
damages. Any further payment out of the balance 2.7% outstanding payment will
only be made after findings of the CBI are made available to the Ministry.
