Mangalore : Akashvani and Doordarshan employees staged a protest and demonstration in front of Akashvani Mangalore on Nov 23, Tuesday, against the demanding the cancellation of the Prasar Bharathi Act 1990 and the dissolution of Prasar Bharathi.
The 2 day protest is organized by the National Federation of Akashvani and Doordarshan Employees (NFADE). The protest started on 9:00 a.m. today, will continue till 9:00 a.m. on Nov 25. The employees were seen shouting slogans holding the placards in their hands to fulfil their demands.
A release by the local unit of NFADE said that 336 Akashvani Kendras and 1,464 Dordarshan Kendras from all over the country will participate in the agitation. The federation has accused the present chief executive officer of Prasar Bharati of providing a distorted picture about the current financial status of Prasar Bharati, as a result of which, the body has been deprived of financial assistance from the centre.
The employees, whose livelihood is now at stake, have decided to protest till the concerned authorities take notice.
It is said that, Akashvani and Doordarshan, which focuses on public service cannot compete with private channels or generate sufficient income to meet its expenses. Both Akashvani and Doordarshan will be closed down if the government does not provide financial assistance.
NFADE also stated that further a 3-day strike will be held from Dec 13 – 16 if the government does not declare its decisions.