DG DD to take over from Sarma, successor not decided: Dasmunsi

New Delhi, June 29 (UNI) All speculations about the most likely candidate to replace Prasar Bharati CEO K S Sarma were set at rest today by Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.

''DG Doordarshn will be acting CEO after Mr Sarma goes, as no decision has been on his successor,'' Mr Dasmunsi told UNI.

Mr Sarma, a 1968 batch IAS officer demits office tomorrow.

The Minister said the decision about who was going to replace Mr Sarma will be taken by a committee headed by the Vice President and that committee was yet to do that.

Replying to a question, he said the committee had not even shortlisted any names.

Earlier media reports said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had shortlisted four names, with additional chief secretary in the ministry Pradeep Singh most likely candidate.

The other four were S.Y. Qureshi, secretary in the sports ministry, Sudeep Banerjee, education secretary, Anil Baijal, urban development secretary and Vijay Singh, AYUSH secretary.

However, Mr Qureshi was appointed an Election Commissioner today.

Mr Sarma had assumed office on March 2002. He was the second regularly appointed CEO of Prasar Bharati, suceeding SS Gill.

UNI NAZ VD RS1902