Officers in sensitive posts in I&B Ministry transferred

In a recent development, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has decided to revamp its sensitive section dealing with television channels. This section deals with renewal of licenses, granting of licenses and several matters related to the Television Industry. To bring in more “transparency” in the section, one of the key officials is likely to be transferred.

In a recent meeting with the industry representatives of IBEF and other bodies, the Information and Broadcasting Secretary, Ajay Mittal, has proposed to them to prepare a draft note of new guidelines for the government which he himself is ready to examine with an “open heart”. But he has also cautioned that the proposed new policy should be in conformity with the existing law and the new guidelines should not create any revenue loss to the government.

After getting this message from a top bureaucrat in the country, the industry veterans are also happy to see the government’s open approach to create fresh guidelines and regulations for the industry.

But in the process of granting routine licenses, renewal and other statutory matters, some middlemen active in the I&B Ministry are creating a roadblock. The government has decided to crack down and remove one of the Under Secretaries from this section.