I&B Ministry
MIB minister Smriti Irani orders review of DD prime time auction process
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan has put on hold the prime time slots auctioned to Ektaa Kapoor-managed Balaji Telefilms and Saaibaba Telefilms following instructions from the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB).
Doordarshan sources told Indiantelevision.com that the action was taken after a directive from the office of the MIB secretary in mid-August, just before two of the slotted programmes were slated to go on air on DD National.
The sources, who did not want to be identified, said the new MIB minister Smriti Irani had decided to review the whole process and take a fresh look at the concept of auctioning slots for prime time in Doordarshan.
Prime time auctions were held as part of the pubcaster’s efforts to infuse some breath of fresh air in the programming lineup of its main channel and also earn additional revenue in the process.
Balaji Telefilms bagged four slots and Saaibaba Telefilms pocketed two slots as a result of Doordarshan’s prime time slot auction, although financial details are not known.
Bag Films and Media of Delhi, which had also been shortlisted, had failed to bag any slot as its bids were lower than those by the other two bidders.
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I&B Ministry
Devinder Kumar appointed Prasar Bharati chief vigilance officer
Senior IOFS officer to serve three-year term with Level-13 pay scale
MUMBAI: The Centre has appointed Devinder Kumar as the chief vigilance officer of Prasar Bharati, formalising a key oversight role within India’s public broadcasting network.
The appointment was cleared through an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Kumar, a senior Indian Ordnance Factory Service officer, will initially serve a tenure of three years or until further government orders, whichever comes earlier.
As chief vigilance officer, Kumar will be responsible for overseeing vigilance and compliance functions within Prasar Bharati, ensuring transparency and accountability across the organisation’s operations.
The role carries a Level-13 pay scale under the central government structure, translating to a salary range between Rs 1,23,100 and Rs 2,15,900. The compensation aligns the position with other senior administrative roles across government departments.
Kumar’s appointment follows due process, including a recommendation from the Central Vigilance Commission, which vets candidates for such critical oversight positions.
Currently serving under the Department of Defence Production, Kumar has been directed to be relieved of his existing duties with immediate effect to assume his new role.
The move comes as Prasar Bharati continues to strengthen its governance framework, with the CVO position playing a central role in maintaining institutional integrity. Kumar’s appointment is expected to bolster internal oversight at a time when accountability remains firmly in focus across public sector organisations.
