Question : APPOINTMENT OF AKASHWANI AND DD CORRESPONDENTS

(a) whether the Akashwani and Doordarshan (DD) under Prasar Bharati appoint part-time correspondence for reporting news across the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government propose to bring these part-time correspondents of print media within the purview of wage board according to the Working Journalist Act and fix their salary accordingly;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the contract letter for the part-time correspondents has been prepared in consonance with the provisions of the labour laws; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING(SHRI C.M.JATUA)

(a)and (b) The Statewise list of number of positions for part-time correspondents is annexed.

(c) to (f) There is no such proposal at present The part-time correspondents are working in AIR Stations on contractual part time basis to assist the Correspondents and Editors posted in Regional News Units, with news inputs. They are not employees of Prasar Bharati. Their contracts are renewed every year based on their performance. They are free to work in other employment /occupation for their main livelihood.