Prasar Bharati member seeks protection against victimization by board

NEW DELHI: AK Jain, the beleaguered Member (Finance) in the Prasar Bharati Board, has sought protection against his victimisation by the Board for pointing out irregularities in the functioning of the pubcaster.

Jain made this plea when he had been summoned to tender evidence in the inquiry being conducted by the Supreme Court into the functioning of former CEO BS Lalli.

The inquiry is being conducted in the Registry of the apex court which has already heard evidence of Member (Personnel) and is currently hearing the evidence being tendered by some personnel dealing with Sports. It is learnt that Jain placed documents on record to show financial and administrative irregularities on various issues.

The five allegations established by Central Vigilance Commission relate to contracts for management of advertisement revenue arising from the telecast of cricket matches on Doordarshan during 2007; the non-telecast by Doordarshan of T-20 cricket World Cup matches held in South Africa in September 2007; engagement of legal entities to represent Prasar Bharati; purchase of Radio Broadcasting Rights for 13 cricket series held during 2007-09; and hiring of transport and accommodation for the conduct of the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune in 2008.

Lalli had been suspended on 22 December 2010 following a detailed inquiry by a Supreme Court judge into financial irregularities by him.

President Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave her approval on 21 December 2010 to a reference in this regard sent by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry through the Prime Minister?s office. The President had earlier the same month accepted a reference from the Prime Minister for an inquiry against Lalli, and directed that a Supreme Court judge be appointed for this purpose.

Lalli, who became CEO in December 2006, is a 1971 batch officer of the Indian Administrative Service from Uttar Pradesh. He had succeeded KS Sarma, who had completed his term in June 2006.