Question : Appointment of Serving IAS Officer on Prasar Bharati

(a) whether his Ministry has proposed the appointment of a serving officer of the Indian Administrative Services as a full-time member personnel on Prasar Bharati Board in violation of the Prasar Bharati Act and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Government proposes to terminate the services of all the contractual employees of Prasar Bharati and if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Journalists are the worst sufferers of this attempt and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government also proposes to replace contractual employees against hiring of a very limited persons with payment of 10 times higher than the present package charges and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING [COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]

(a): As per Prasar Bharati (BCI) Act, 1990, Member (Personnel) shall be a person having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of personnel management and administration. The Act does not bar officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) for appointment as Member (Personnel) on the Prasar Bharati Board. In the past, officers of


the IAS have been appointed as Member (Personnel). Appointment of any member on the Prasar Bharati Board is made by Hon’ble President of India on the recommendation of a committee consisting of: (i) Vice-President of India, (ii) Chairman of the Press Council of India and (iii) One nominee of the President of India.

(b): There is no such proposal by the Government. However, after receiving a complaint alleging engagement of consultants in Prasar Bharati without assessment of need, formal approval or selection by transparent manner with reference to a set of qualification, skills and experience, this Ministry on 5.2.2018, suggested Prasar Bharati to stop such engagements as also not to grant extension/renewal to consultants, as it contravenes the order of Department of Expenditure and to discontinue contracts of other consultants.

(c): Journalists are not directly affected by the suggestions.

(d): No, Madam.

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