Readers-cum-translators and Casual Employees in Akashwani

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

LOK SABHA

ANSWERED ON 13.08.2014

(b) if so, the details thereof; 

(c) the reasons for recruiting news readers on monthly contracts when panel of casual news readers are maintained in each unit; 

(d) whether any representation has been received in this regard by Prasar Bharati from large number of casual employees working in Akashwani for more than ten years; and 

(e) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR) 

(a) to (c): Prasar Bharati has informed that as per the contractual policy of Prasar Bharati, contractual News Reader-Cum-Translators (NRTs) have been engaged in News Service Division (NSD) of All India Radio for addressing the shortage of regular NRTs and non-availability of casuals as per exigencies of work. Prasar Bharati has also informed that NSD has initiated action to engage some more contractual NRTs in different languages. The contractual NRTs so engaged are available to NSD six days in a week and have a restriction of not working anywhere else. 

(d) & (e): Yes Sir. A representation titled as ‘Introduction of contract system’ has been received. In the representation it has been suggested to abolish the contract system interalia for maintaining the standard of news reading. Prasar Bharati has informed that the casual newsreaders on panel were given an opportunity to apply for contractual engagement. Prasar Bharati has further informed that training to the contractual Newsreaders is an ongoing process and that the quality of news reading is monitored at the highest level in NSD.