GECs
[V] revs into election gear
MUMBAI: Shunning the ballot box, a common trend in our country, will be tackled by Channel [V] with an election awareness drive called [V] The Big Vote in an endeavour to enlighten the youth of India on the key issue of casting one’s vote.
The campaign essentially designed to educate, involve and mobilize the younger citizens of India for the upcoming General Elections 2004 is part of Channel [V]’s Youth initiative programme.
[V] The Big Vote expected to take off by mid March will include various on-air and on-ground promotions, and will witness Channel [V]’s VJs Gaurav Kapur and Shruti Seth spearheading this youth initiative.
Outlining the objective of the drive, Channel [V] head honcho Amar K Deb says, “We’re bringing in the winds of change! It’s our way of getting the younger citizens of this country to appreciate and take advantage of their most fundamental right – the right to vote. Its all a part of Channel [V]’s Youth initiative programme, which will addresses issues that directly impact a Young India. [V] The Big Vote aims to educate them about the processes, engage them in discussion of their problems and issues and motivate them to make a difference by casting their vote. They’ve got to choose or they’re going to lose.”
The campaign will be divided in two phases, phase one tackling issues about eligibility, the process of registration and other details of the voting process. Phase two will facilitate the youth in various discussions, debates and dialogues, providing them with a platform to be heard and encouraging them to take a stand and place their vote according to the release.
Celebrities and musicians have also been roped in to impact the youth with these messages.
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
