Dasmunsi hints at changes to enable DD compete with pvt channels

Varanasi, Sep 17 (UNI) A slew of policy changes are likely to be announced by the year end to enable Doordarshan compete with private satellite channels, Information and Broadcasting minister P R Dasmunsi said here today.

Interacting with mediapersons, Mr Dasmunsi said a Group of Ministers (GOM) appointed to suggest vital inputs on the functioning of Prasar Bharti (DD and AIR) would submit its report within seven days.

The GOM is likely to make recommendations on tackling staff constraints by the public broadcaster, pay revisions and also deal with the important issue of both broadcasters remaining public or becoming private, the minister added.

Hinting towards a policy shift by the end of 2006, Mr Dasmunsi stated the changes would ensure that 100 DD centres are given special status. Out of these 50 centers, including Varanasi and four other Uttar Pradesh based centers will be developed as model centers with best of infrastructure, he added.

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