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Panel against downsizing I&B ministry

Bipin Chandran

The ministry of information and broadcasting has found support from the parliamentary standing committee on information technology in its opposition to the Expenditure Reforms Commission's recommendations for downsizing the ministry.

The committee, in its draft report on demands for grants for the I&B ministry, has said it endorses the views of the ministry on the Expenditure Reforms Commission's recommendations and feels that the primary functions of the government cannot be entrusted on non-government organisations.

The I&B ministry had opposed the Expenditure Reforms Commission's recommendations to wind up the Films Division, Directorate of Field Publicity, Drama Division, Photo Division and the Publications Division.

The committee, headed by Somnath Chatterjee, has also recommended wider consultation with staff at various stages before taking a view on closing down any department, unit or branch of the ministry.

On the Expenditure Reforms Commission's recommendations to close Press Information Bureau offices in places other than state capitals, the committee said, "It is very difficult to perform the required functions in big states from a single branch, considering the fact that its staff strength is bare minimum.

The committee, therefore, desires that the ministry should reconsider its tentative decision to close five branches of PIB in places outside the state capitals."

Referring to the Expenditure Reforms Commission's recommendation on the Prasar Bharti Corporation calling for leasing of the programme production facility to private parties, the committee has asked the I&B ministry to take up the issue with the finance ministry and the department of expenditure for review.

The draft report of the committee has criticised delays in finalising the Tenth Plan outlay for the I&B ministry and said it would have an adverse impact on the implementation of major schemes.

The draft report has also demanded that vacancies on the Prasar Bharati board should be filled at the earliest. "The committee notes that still there are six vacancies on the board," the draft report pointed out.

The committee has also recommended strengthening the infrastructure and manpower of the Children's Film Society.

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