Date:19/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/19/stories/2008081960121000.htm

National

GoM to decide on DD, AIR staff plea

NEW DELHI: The fate of 40,000 Doordarshan and AIR employees hangs in the balance as the Group of Ministers on Prasar Bharati is expected to meet on August 22 to take a decision on granting them Central government employee status.

This will be possible only through an amendment of the Prasar Bharati Act.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has approved the employees’ demands for allotment of general pool accommodation, provision of CGHS facilities and admission of their wards to Kendriya Vidyalayas. But Prasar Bharati employees say all other perks could become null and void if they are not granted Central government employee status.

Representatives of the National Federation of Akashvani and Doordarshan Employees told PTI that Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi had given them an assurance on June 2 that the long-pending issue would be discussed at the GoM meeting. – PTI