Doordarshan, Akashvani employees defer proposed agitation (Lead: Doordarshan strike)

NEW DELHI - The National Federation of Akashvani and Doordarshan Employees (NFADE) has deferred the proposed agitation that was to begin on Monday following several rounds of meetings with the three-member committee of Prasar Bharati and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary.

The Ministry has assured the Federation that their demands will be further discussed with the Federation representatives before finalising the proposal for the consideration of the Group of Ministers.

It has also been decided that there will be a committee headed by Member Personnel, Prasar Bharati, which would include representatives of Federation to discuss the proposed amendment to Prasar Bharati Act and other employee related issues.

The Federation in a press release said that they have deferred their agitation in the light of confidence building measures undertaken and mutual trust reposed in the negotiation process by the three-member committee of Prasar Bharati.

The NFADE had earlier gone on 48-hour strike last month not over work-related issues, but against Prasar Bharati CEO B S Lalli’s alleged involvement in the Commonwealth Games broadcast mess.

They have been demanding a repeal of the Prasar Bharti Act, and want both Akashvani and Doordarshan to be taken back into the government fold. NFADE chairman Anilkumar S had earlier said that the Prasar Bharti Act should be repealed, and instead financial restructuring and staff issues should be looked at in a comprehensive manner.

The NFADE is backed by 21 organizations, including camerapersons, engineers and producers. (ANI)