Soni sends report on Prasar Bharati Board to PM

In the light of recent reports about Prasar Bharati board not being able to function properly due to differences between its members and CEO B S Lalli, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni has sent a detailed report on its working to prime minister Manmohan Singh.

Highly-placed sources in the ministry today said Soni has sent the report in consultations with the Union law Ministry.

Though matters relating to the Board's functioning are subjudice, Soni, ever since she assumed charge of the ministry, has been taking note of all that has been going on in the public broadcaster.

The report also has suggestions by Soni, the sources said, as she has held several meetings with Prasar Bharati CEO as well as with its board members.

The matter relating to alleged irregularities in Prasar Bharati are to be investigated by the CVC as per the recent directions of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court.

Meanwhile, sources said Soni has directed Prasar Bharati officials to start broadcasting DD News from its Mandi House studios from November 19 which incidentally happens to be Indira Gandhi's birthday.

The Minister had recently visited Mandi House and expressed unhappiness over infrastructure worth crores of rupees lying unused even as Doordarshan does all production work from its Khel Gaon studios.

Sources said Soni has issued the directions to DD officials to shift its operations to Mandi House as it is nearer to the Ministry and other important government installations.