NEW DELHI: Doordarshan has earned revenue of just Rs 8.32 billion as against a total operational cost of Rs 20.89 billion which included Rs 14.19 billion given as salary support by the government during 2016.17.

Minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said the Government is providing grants-in-aid to Prasar Bharati (All India Radio and Doordarshan) for 100 per cent salary support and central sector scheme (erstwhile Plan grant) for creation of capital assets and content development for Kisan Channel.

In 2015-16, DD earned revenue of just Rs 7.56 billion as against a total operational cost of Rs 18.7292 billion which included Rs 11.74 billion as salary support. In 2014-15, DD earned revenue of only Rs 9.12 billion as against a total operational cost of Rs 18.16 billion which included Rs 10.65 billion given as salary support.

The rest of the operational costs of Rs 6.70 billion in 2016-17, Rs 6.99 billion (2015-16) and Rs 7.52 billion (2014-15) came from Internal and Extra-Budgetary Resources (IEBR) of Doordarshan. All these amounts are exclusive of service tax, the Minister said.

The Minister said there has been a gradual increase in the operational costs of Doordarshan primarily attributable to hike in staff salaries in the wake of implementation of recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission.

However the other operating expenses have decreased due to strict financial prudence, the Minister claimed. The declining revenue trend over the recent past has also been arrested and increased by about 10 per cent last year.

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