National Network - I&B seeks powers for easier removal of Prasar Bharati CEO

Source of Article: Indian Express, The Indian Express Online Media Ltd

 

October 9, 2011

 

Express news service

The Union Ministry of Law has cleared key amendments to the Prasar Bharati Act which, once legislated, would empower the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry to cite "inefficiency" as the reason to remove a CEO. Currently, a CEO can't be removed without the clearance of the Supreme Court and the consent of the President.

 

The I&B Ministry intends to take the amendments to the Cabinet for approval soon. Sources didn't rule out the possibility of an ordinance being issued to give effect to the changes.

The move to curtail the powers of the Prasar Bharati CEO comes in the backdrop of the controversy over financial irregularities involving former head B S Lalli, who was also indicted by the Shunglu Committee over broadcasting contract for the Commonwealth Games.

 

Another amendment would provide for constitution of a board comprising, among others, the Vice-President, chairperson of the Press Council of India and the I&B Minister, to appoint and remove a CEO for inefficiency.

 

Another important amendment proposes to fix the age limit beyond which the chairperson, members and CEO of the Prasar Bharati Board won't be able to continue.